Will the two Asian giants always be in Rivalry ?

Fedrava Chanu *

The two Asian giants (China and India) have a population density of 20 per cent and GDP of 31 per cent, shared along a border of 3488km, which is also known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or McMahon Line.

Despite sharing a border and having bilateral trade, the two Asian giants have had a tense relationship since the late 1940s, characterised by competition, cooperation and conflict. The relationship between the two countries has often been tense due to deep-rooted historical tensions, economic independence, and large populations.

The two nations have been in rivalry regarding the border since the late 1940s. Since the border war of 1962, many clashes have occurred between them. The 1962 border war, which left a deep scar and a resolved territorial dispute, began the modern rivalry between the two nations.

Because of these clashes in some parts of India, states like Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh have been affected, fueling the strained relations between the two nations. Even though much negotiation and dialogue have been done to maintain the relationship in the border area, it has led to standoffs and the relationship is not well defined.

Regarding politics, India's growing ties with the US and participation in the QUAD counter China's influence, while China supports Pakistan, India's rival from the beginning.

Even though the two nations have political differences, both have a strong economic relationship. China is one of India's largest trading partners, with trade valued at US$ 100 billion annually. Even though it imports many of its products from China, India seeks to reduce its dependence and focus on self-reliance and self-sufficiency, as well as Made in INDIA products.

Both needed each other in terms of import and export. Hence, both are unlikely to break down to stop their relationship in terms of trade, but with the increasing technology and AI, it becomes a fear to both nations since both aim to become superpowers one day.

India, being the 4th largest in terms of military strength in the world, and China, ranking 3rd in the military, lead to competition with each other in expanding their military strength and nuclear power.

The competition in military power leads to regional or strategic competition, with China aiming at the Belt and Road Initiative. At the same time, India focuses on the Indian Ocean region. Since both compete for superpower status, direct military use is prohibited on both sides, leading to a balance of power but not confirming their rivalry.

Even though the two nations have many tensions, they try to negotiate and collaborate. Some collaborations, like the BRICS, SCO, etc., shared the interest in helping climate change, a global threat and regional stability, which made a point that even though rivalry exists, collaboration exists too.

From all of the above, the rivalry between the two Asian giants is likely to remain despite collaboration. If both countries focus more on common goals or interests, like global issues, it could reduce their rivalry, which depends mainly on the leadership's decision of the two nations.

Suppose both countries work together with peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation. In that case, they can help contribute to a better future for Asia and the world.

Also, they can find a way to rise together to maintain peace in the world scenario, so likely saying whether they are rivals depends on whether they choose competition or cooperation.