International Correspondence from Tianjin: A Sustained State of Hostility Between China and India Is Unviable
In a move that carries strategic weight, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China in 2021, marking his first trip to the country since 2018. This visit comes amidst a slowing growth in China and a tense relationship between China and the United States, with US President Donald Trump imposing tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods.
During the meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the leaders discussed border tensions, trade, and connectivity. Xi's language during the meeting was careful but deliberate, implicitly reflecting Beijing's own strategic reality. The Chinese ambassador to New Delhi, Wang Wentian, offered rhetorical solidarity to India, while subtly providing leverage for India in its balancing act between the United States, Russia, and China.
The tariffs imposed by the US have jolted New Delhi, revealing the transactional nature of the US-India partnership. However, the tariffs could potentially strengthen India's relationship with China, creating a strategic opportunity for China in its relationship with India. This could potentially lead to India seeking closer ties with China, a move that could exacerbate tensions between the US and India.
Months of quiet diplomacy preceded Modi's visit, during which time Beijing's envoy in New Delhi alluded to the US as a "bully". Modi, on the other hand, highlighted concrete shifts in India-China relations, including relative peace along the Himalayan frontier, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, and plans to restart direct commercial flights.
Persistent hostility with India weakens China's regional posture, making it crucial for both countries to maintain a peaceful and productive relationship. The tariffs could potentially lead to increased cooperation between India and China, a development that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region.
The meeting between Modi and Xi also comes at a time when there is a costly rivalry between China and Washington. US protectionism has become a point of contention, with both countries engaging in trade wars that have disrupted global trade. The tariffs could potentially exacerbate tensions between the US and India, further straining the already tense relationship between the two superpowers.
In conclusion, Modi's visit to China in 2021 is a significant step in the ongoing dance of diplomacy between India and China. As the US-China relationship continues to deteriorate, India finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its ties with both superpowers. The tariffs imposed by the US have created a complex web of geopolitical implications, with potential opportunities for increased cooperation between India and China. Only time will tell how this developing situation unfolds.
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