AIR Spotlight - Chinese Foreign Ministers’ Visit to India

Welcome to AIR Spotlight, a daily feature on All India Radio's Newsonair service. This program provides a platform for distinguished panellists to engage in thought-provoking discussions on critical issues. Today, we delve into the recent visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to India in March 2022, a topic of great significance for those preparing for the IAS exam .

Panellists:

• Atul Aneja – Expert in International Affairs
• Manish Anand – Renowned Journalist

Background: In the third month of 2022, the Chinese Foreign Minister embarked on a visit to India, during which he engaged in high-level talks with India’s External Affairs Minister and the National Security Advisor.

Learn more about India-China Relations

Key Highlights of Chinese Foreign Minister's Visit to India

• The Urgency to Restore Normalcy in India-China Relations:
  • During the discussions, India highlighted that the bilateral relations between the two nations are still far from normal. It underscored the necessity of resolving the ongoing standoff at the India-China border to restore normalcy.
  • India further emphasized that peace and tranquillity are crucial for returning to a state of normalcy.
• Military Discussions and Border Disputes:
  • The Indian troops confronted Chinese forces when they trespassed the disputed border beyond the established patrolling points.
  • After numerous rounds of talks, both countries agreed to withdraw their forces from the friction points of Galwan, Pangong Tso Lake, and Gogra, but the standoff at Depsang and PP15 continues.
  • Prior to the Chinese foreign minister's visit, there were reports suggesting that the issue of PP15 might be resolved during the visit.
  • However, China has remained firm on its stand and refused to withdraw from Depsang, thereby disrupting India's traditional border patrol routes.
• Discussions on Global Affairs:
  • The foreign ministers of both nations touched upon several global issues, including the crisis in Ukraine .
  • In the context of Afghanistan, India's stance is guided by UN Security Council Resolution 2593.
  • Although both nations shared their respective views on the Ukraine situation, they agreed on the importance of diplomacy and dialogue.
• India-China Trade Relations:
  • Both nations concurred that unilateral sanctions are detrimental to supply chains and the global economy.
  • In 2021, bilateral trade between India and China surged by 44% to reach $125.7 billion. Consequently, India's trade deficit with China also expanded to $69.4 billion in the same year.

Explore more about the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister to India

What issues did India raise?

• The increasing presence of the Chinese navy in the Indian Ocean is a cause for concern for India, triggering a scramble among major powers to strengthen their foothold in the region.
• India also expressed its discontent over the prolonged delay in the return of Indian students to China due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
• Recognising the unique concerns of medical students, India stressed on the need for a solution in this challenging situation.
• India also voiced its objection to China's Foreign Minister's comments on Kashmir at the OIC Summit, stating that such remarks tarnish the image of the nation.

Proposed Three-Point Formula for Enhancing India-China Relations

• The Chinese foreign minister proposed three principles to advance the bilateral relationship:
  • Firstly, he suggested that both nations should adopt a “long-term perspective,” relegate the border issue to an “appropriate place,” and adhere to the correct path of developing bilateral relations.
  • Secondly, he advocated for a “win-win” mentality. This implies Beijing's recognition of India's “traditional role in the region” and assurance of not pursuing a “unipolar Asia.” The Chinese foreign minister also expressed China's willingness to explore a ‘China India plus’ cooperation model with India for the development of South Asia.
  • Lastly, he recommended that “both countries should participate collaboratively in the multilateral process.”

For more insightful analysis, check out the Gist of AIR Spotlight here .