Critically analyze China's role in international politics against India's demand for permanent seat in UN Security Council. (UPSC CSE Mains 2016 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
China''s opposition to India''s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is influenced by a combination of geopolitical, strategic, and historical factors. While the trade and boundary sharing between the two countries are significant, they are not the sole determinants of China''s stance. The key reasons for China''s opposition are as below: -
- China and India are two major Asian powers with competing interests and influence in the region. A permanent seat for India in the UNSC would strengthen India''s global standing and potentially challenge China''s influence in international affairs.
- China and India have a history of border disputes and occasional tensions, particularly along their shared boundary in the Himalayan region. These historical issues may impact China''s willingness to support India''s aspirations for a permanent seat.
- China is a close ally of Pakistan, and the two countries have a strong strategic partnership. Pakistan also seeks to join the UNSC as a permanent member. China''s support for Pakistan''s bid may influence its stance on India''s bid, given the longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry.
- China''s opposition to India''s UNSC bid can be seen as part of a broader competition for influence in the region and on the global stage.
- China is cautious about expanding the number of permanent seats, as it may lead to a shift in the balance of power within the council.
- Over the years, three blocs have emerged advocating reforms – G4 (India, Brazil, Germany and Japan), Uniting for Consensus (comprising G4’s regional rivals like Pakistan, Italy, Argentina and South Korea), and the African Union. They all differ on the nature of reforms – while G4 wants permanent UNSC membership, Uniting for Consensus wants an expansion in the number of non-permanent seats only, whereas AU wants two permanent African seats with veto powers.
- Plus, among P5, China has been playing spoiler. Its position has become consistent with the Uniting for Consensus group to deny India and Japan permanent seats. And given the state of India-China ties today, Beijing is unlikely to support New Delhi’s position in the foreseeable future. Yet, UNSC reforms need a fresh push if the body is to remain relevant. As the Ukraine war and other crises show, not having an expanded UNSC has led to substantial sidelining of Global South issues. If the UN is not to go the League of Nations way, it must have countries like India as permanent UNSC members.
It''s essential to recognize that international relations are complex, and countries'' stances on various issues are influenced by multiple factors. While trade and boundary sharing are important aspects of India-China relations, they are only a part of the larger geopolitical dynamics that shape China''s position on India''s bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC.
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