CHINA STUDIES
China Studies as a whole brings into perspective the rising power’s mounting economic, military and diplomatic clout that certainly has the aptitude to either overturn or sustain the current contemporary world order. The Center broadly examines China’s international strategic thinking and conduct, foreign and security policy, and the impact of domestic politics and economy on China’s foreign relations. It further addresses China’s emergence in the face of the world in flux, domestic politics, economy, society, culture, People’s Liberation Army and Tibet Autonomous Region and most importantly her engagement with each of South Asian country.
ARTICLES
Strengthening the US-Vietnam Relations: Common Battle against China
On 20 March 2020, a teleconference was held among some countries of the Indo-Pacific on COVID-19, which was attended by India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam and the US. This was a step forward in the possible formation of US led ‘Quad plus Vietnam axis’ .
Brinkmanship of South China Sea amid COVID-19
Though all nations have pledged to stand together and try holistically to mitigate this current catastrophe, China, on the other end is engaged in a war of its own.
Racial Prejudice Upsurge in the US amidst COVID-19
The need of the hour is to work together with cooperation, responsibility and strong coordination among the states in order to eradicate the pandemic rather than continuing the blame game and spreading hate against certain communities or groups.
Will COVID-19 Write off Indo-Pacific Cooperation?
China is attempting to cast a new international order out of the COVID-19 catastrophe. However, countries in the Indo-Pacific are committed to maintain defense and they have also stepped up their cooperation to fight the pandemic.
Chinese Military Modernisation in Transition
The PLA has intensified the training programme through the introduction of stimulators and other reform measures. While the results of such experiments are not yet clear, what is significant is that the PLA today intends to graduate to fighting 21st century wars. The modernisation is a part of ‘The China Dream’ of making the nation great.
Chinese Paradiplomacy in India
China has structured a successful paradiplomatic model. Beijing alone has entered into sister-cities agreement with 55 other cities/ states. It is in a desperate need of a facelift, post the considerable erosion of public opinion due to the debacle of the virus spreading out of Wuhan. To this end, Chinese government, media houses and others are strategically using this relationship to highlight the humanitarian side of the country.
China’s Assertive Actions Continue Despite the Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 may significantly shape the US’s China policy. Some US officials call the pandemic this generation’s “Pearl Harbor.” The COVID-19 crisis will affect the outcome of the US presidential election in November and attitudes toward China. Once the US overcomes the virus’s peak its China strategy and the approach that the US chooses will affect the security situation throughout the Indo-Pacific.
COVID-19 and the Unset in the New Brave World Order
China has seen an opportunity even in this crisis. It has proudly showcased their ability to handle such crisis that even several western countries are not able to respond properly. Similarly, it has continued to bolster its naval power even in times of crisis which bodes a competitive tendency in the New International Order rather than cooperation based on softer realms.