Why India follows One China policy ? It's time for a relook | India China Relations | UPSC #IAS

Summary

This video discusses China's One China Policy, focusing on its implications for India and the global context. It traces the history of the dispute between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan), exploring the roots of the policy. The script highlights India's long-standing commitment to this policy, despite challenges, including economic, strategic, and territorial tensions. The video also touches on the changing dynamics in international relations, particularly the evolving role of China, and suggests that India may need to reconsider its approach to the policy in light of current global realities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The One China Policy refers to the claim that Taiwan is part of China, with both the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC) asserting this territory as their own.
• 😀 Recent discussions between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping reignited global attention on the One China Policy, though no agreements were made.
• 😀 The issue stems from the Chinese Civil War, which resulted in two separate governments: the PRC in Beijing and the ROC in Taiwan, both claiming to be the legitimate government of China.
• 😀 India has consistently adhered to the One China Policy since its independence, aiming to avoid conflict with China and protect its own strategic interests, particularly in the UN Security Council.
• 😀 India’s diplomatic approach toward China has been shaped by the need for nation-building after independence and the priority to avoid a confrontation with China.
• 😀 Despite maintaining the policy, India has faced challenges, such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War and China's frequent use of veto power to block actions unfavorable to its interests.
• 😀 China has often supported Pakistan, particularly in cases where India sought to take action against individuals like Masood Azhar, who was linked to terrorist activities.
• 😀 Economic relations between India and China have grown, with trade increasing significantly, though tensions remain, especially after incidents like the Galwan Valley clashes.
• 😀 India’s continued adherence to the One China Policy is seen as both a diplomatic strategy and a response to Chinese economic and military power.
• 😀 Experts suggest that India may need to reassess its approach to the One China Policy, exploring avenues like strengthening ties with Taiwan or pushing back against China's dominance in regional affairs.

Q & A

What is the One China Policy discussed in the video?

The One China Policy is the principle that there is only one China, and both the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC), which governs Taiwan, claim to be the official government of all of China. The policy asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, and the PRC rejects any foreign recognition of Taiwan as an independent state.

What led to the renewed discussions on the One China Policy in international media?

The renewed discussions on the One China Policy were sparked by a virtual summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Despite a lengthy discussion on issues like Taiwan, COVID-19, climate change, and human rights, no formal agreement was reached between the two leaders.

How did the historical context of the Chinese Civil War contribute to the One China Policy?

The Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) played a significant role in the formation of the One China Policy. After the war, the Chinese Communist Party established the People's Republic of China in Beijing, while the Kuomintang government retreated to Taiwan and continued to claim legitimacy as the Republic of China. Both governments claimed to be the official China, and this dispute led to the One China Policy.

How does India approach the One China Policy?

India has adhered to the One China Policy since its independence. India has recognized the PRC as the official China and avoided recognizing Taiwan as an independent state. This stance has been largely driven by strategic considerations, including the need to maintain relations with China during the nation's nation-building process after independence.

What strategic reasons are behind India's adherence to the One China Policy?

India's strategic reasoning includes the desire to avoid conflict with China, especially during the early years after independence when nation-building was a top priority. India also hoped that supporting China's position would help secure China's support for India’s membership in the United Nations Security Council.

How did the US shift its position on China during the 1970s?

In the 1970s, the United States, under President Richard Nixon, shifted its position on China, leading to the normalization of diplomatic relations between the US and the PRC. This also resulted in the US adopting the One China Policy, officially recognizing the PRC while acknowledging Taiwan's role in global politics. The US helped replace the Republic of China with the PRC as the representative of China in the United Nations.

How has the economic relationship between India and China evolved?

The economic relationship between India and China has seen significant growth, with bilateral trade reaching $19.37 billion. This trade has been increasing rapidly, with projections indicating it may surpass $100 billion. Despite military and political tensions, India and China have continued to engage economically, with China emerging as one of India's major trading partners.

What impact did the 1962 border war have on India’s relationship with China?

The 1962 India-China border war had a lasting impact on India’s relationship with China. After the war, India was forced to accept certain territorial realities, which included conceding to China's influence in the region. Despite this setback, India continued to follow China's One China Policy, even as it faced economic and strategic challenges.

What challenges does India face due to its adherence to the One China Policy?

India faces several challenges due to its adherence to the One China Policy. These include China's veto power in the United Nations Security Council, where it has blocked India’s attempts to designate individuals like Masood Azhar as global terrorists. Additionally, China has repeatedly shown a lack of reciprocity in its relationship with India, and has blocked India’s interests in various international forums.

What are the potential consequences if India revisits its stance on the One China Policy?

If India revisits its stance on the One China Policy, it could lead to increased diplomatic tensions with China, especially regarding Taiwan and Tibet. However, some experts argue that India could benefit from a more balanced approach, potentially improving its relations with Taiwan and asserting its own interests more robustly in the international arena.