India and China, two of the world’s most populous countries and fastest-growing economies, have had a complex relationship for centuries. However, in recent years, tensions between the two countries have escalated to a level not seen in decades.
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The current state of affairs can be traced back to 2017 when India and China had a standoff in the Doklam region, a disputed territory between China and Bhutan. The standoff lasted for over two months, and both countries deployed troops and heavy weaponry, raising concerns of a potential war. The standoff was eventually resolved peacefully, but it left a lasting impact on the relationship between the two countries.
Since then, there have been several incidents that have strained India-China relations. In June 2020, a violent clash broke out between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers. The clash was the first time in over four decades that there had been a loss of life on the India-China border, and it led to a significant deterioration in the relationship between the two countries.
In addition to military standoffs, there have been economic skirmishes as well. India has been wary of China’s increasing economic influence in the region, and has taken steps to limit Chinese investment in the country. In 2020, India banned over 200 Chinese mobile apps, including popular ones such as TikTok and WeChat, citing national security concerns. The move was seen as a significant blow to China’s tech industry, which relies heavily on the Indian market.
China, on the other hand, has been expanding its presence in India’s neighborhood, particularly in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. China has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects in these countries, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka. These projects have raised concerns in India that China is trying to encircle the country and gain a strategic advantage in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained India-China relations. India has accused China of not being transparent about the origins of the virus and of not doing enough to contain its spread. India has also been critical of China’s vaccine diplomacy, where it has been providing COVID-19 vaccines to countries in the region. India sees this as a way for China to increase its influence in the region, and has been pushing its own vaccine diplomacy in response.
The current state of affairs between India and China has significant implications for the future of the region. India and China are the two largest economies in Asia, and their relationship has a significant impact on the economic and political stability of the region. A further deterioration in their relationship could lead to a potential conflict, which would have far-reaching consequences.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation between India and China, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the tensions. The United States has been vocal in its support for India, with President Joe Biden calling for a de-escalation of the situation and for China to follow international norms and respect the sovereignty of its neighbors.
In conclusion, the current state of affairs between India and China is not normal. Tensions between the two countries have been on the rise in recent years, with both engaging in military standoffs and economic skirmishes. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained their relationship, and the international community is closely watching the situation. It remains to be seen how
