China, India Tensions Flare Amid Uncertainty Over Trump’s Foreign Policy
Tensions between India and China have escalated following Beijing’s announcement of new counties encompassing land claimed by India in the Ladakh region, Al Jazeera reports.
This recent development underscores the fragile nature of the detente established between the two Asian giants in October after a four-year-long military standoff along their disputed border.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs swiftly condemned the move, stating that New Delhi “never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area” and that Beijing’s announcement would not legitimize its territorial claims. Despite a partial withdrawal of troops on both sides, questions remain regarding land previously controlled by India that China is accused of seizing since 2020.
The renewed tensions come as both nations grapple with the uncertainty surrounding the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Trump, who is poised to be inaugurated on January 20, has previously threatened to impose significant tariffs on goods from both China and India. While describing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good man,” Trump’s potential economic actions against India have raised concerns in New Delhi.
Analysts note that Trump’s stance on China appears to have softened since his election victory. Trump has expressed a desire to “save” the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, which he previously sought to ban, and has reportedly extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his inauguration. Beijing has yet to respond publicly to the invitation, though some analysts believe Xi is unlikely to attend.
Notably, Trump has not extended a similar invitation to Modi, despite holding joint rallies with the Indian leader in 2019 and 2020. This apparent snub has fueled speculation within India that recent diplomatic efforts were aimed at securing an invitation for Modi.
Trump’s perceived ambivalence towards China is a cause of concern for New Delhi, according to analysts, who fear that either an extremely harsh anti-China policy from Washington or a rapprochement between the US and China would be detrimental to India’s interests.
Adding to the complexity, the Chinese Communist Party’s mouthpiece, the Global Times, has recently advocated for increased cooperation between Beijing and Washington, particularly in the technology sector. This comes amidst a backdrop of trade restrictions and sanctions between China and the US, including US measures targeting Chinese semiconductor technology.
India is navigating this uncertainty by seeking to strengthen ties with other partners. Modi is expected to host a Quad leaders’ meeting in India in 2025, hoping to engage with Trump. Simultaneously, India may participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit hosted by China later this year.
The relationship between India and China has been strained since the deadly clashes in Ladakh’s Galwan region in May 2020. Following that incident, India banned several Chinese apps, including TikTok, and tightened scrutiny of Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in the country. However, India’s Ministry of Finance recently advocated for encouraging Chinese investment amid a slowdown in overall foreign investment.
