In this episode of ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Rajeswari (Raji) Pillai Rajagopalan joins us to unpack the changing relationship between India and China. Dr. Rajagopalan begins by describing India’s view of China, emphasizing India’s continued wish for a stable and normalized relationship with China, despite conflicts that arise. She explains that China’s growing economic power and influence in India’s neighboring countries has heightened India’s insecurity and tension between the two countries. Furthermore, Dr. Rajagopalan discusses the fundamental differences in Chinese and Indian strategic objectives, specifically their goals for power dynamics in Asia. Additionally, she identifies the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmish as a turning point in the India-China relationship, arguing that China’s actions have shown that India can no longer afford to carry out ambivalence in its foreign policy. Lastly, Dr. Rajagopalan cautions India from relying too heavily on Russia for defense capabilities and urges the country to diversify its military capabilities.
Keyword:geopolitics
The History Behind Growing China-Russia Relations: A Conversation with Dr. Joseph Torigian
In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Joseph Torigian joins us to discuss the historic and strategic dimensions of the China-Russia relationship. Dr. Torigian begins by describing the evolution of the China-Soviet relationship from its height as a formal alliance during the Cold War, to ideological disagreement, and then strategic competition. He explains how differences in perception led to mixed signals and Mao Zedong’s distrust of Soviet leadership and intentions. Dr. Torigian also discusses how China and Russia gradually repaired their relationship following the end of the Cold War. Lastly, he explores how the relationship may evolve, the effects of remaining tensions, and the forces that are pushing both countries towards strategic alignment.
China’s Involvement in Afghanistan: A Conversation with Laurel Miller
On this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Laurel Miller joins us to discuss the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and to assess China’s next steps in the region. Ms. Miller argues that China will continue to be cautiously involved with Afghanistan to fulfill its long-term vision of establishing peace and stability in the nearby region. Although Afghanistan was a bright spot for US-China cooperation in peace-process issues, Ms. Miller says that previous collaboration was exaggerated and that the brightness has been dimmed in recent years. Lastly, she weighs the likelihood of US-China cooperation on Afghanistan going forward.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2020: Debate 3
Will China exploit the Covid-19 pandemic to shift the geopolitical balance of power in its favor? Experts discuss in this special debate episode.
The Genesis of Chinese Thinking on Sovereignty: A Conversation with Bill Hayton
In this episode, Mr. Bill Hayton joins us to discuss the genesis of China’s thinking about sovereignty and how this history shapes Chinese foreign policy today. He discusses the influence of Western notions of sovereignty on China during the Qing Dynasty and argues that the dynastic tribute system is still reflected to some extent in China’s current international relations. Mr. Hayton frames the volatile South China Sea situation in terms of sovereignty, describing control of the islands as a deeply emotional issue that is emblematic of national pride for China. He also explains how views of sovereignty could affect China’s approach to arms control, resulting in reluctance to accept third-party inspection of compliance with international treaties. Lastly, Mr. Hayton sheds light on China’s vision of an international stage characterized by relationships between individual and sovereign states rather than coalitions and blocs.
China Courts Closer Ties with Nepal: A Conversation with Gaurab Shumsher Thapa
In this episode, Gaurab Shumsher Thapa joins us to discuss the trajectory of China-Nepal relations and China’s geostrategic interests in Nepal. Mr. Thapa explains the history of China-Nepal relations and analyzes China’s motives in increasing engagement with Nepal in recent years. He also discusses Nepal’s foreign policy of non-alignment and how this serves Nepal’s interests as geopolitical tensions heat up throughout the region.
Water Challenges Inside and Outside China’s Borders: A Conversation with Scott Moore
In the episode, Dr. Scott Moore joins us to discuss the challenges that China faces in securing its vast water needs. Dr. Moore details China’s efforts to respond to the major threats facing its water resource supply, including scarcity and pollution. He also addresses the impacts that cross-border water security dynamics have on China’s regional relationships, and the opportunities created by water-related projects like hydropower plants in Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.
Xi-Modi Summit in Chennai, India: A Conversation with Tanvi Madan
In this episode, Dr. Tanvi Madan joins us to discuss Xi Jinping’s October 2019 meeting with Narendra Modi in India, as well as how China-India relations have evolved since their Wuhan Summit in 2018. Dr. Madan analyzes the major strategic and economic factors that are shaping the bilateral relationship, and how US policy toward India affects Sino-Indian ties. She also addresses existing points of contention between the two countries, including disputes over the Kashmir region and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.