INDO-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

INDO-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

Background

Irritants in Indo-Bangladesh Relations

1.         The Sharing of Ganga waters.

2.         The Chakma Refugees Problem.

3.         Transit and Shipping facilities.

4.         Insurgents having basecamps in Bangladesh.

5.         Huge trade imbalance between India and Bangladesh.

6.         Sharing of Ganga Waters .

(a)       India and Bangladesh signed a 30-year old Ganga Water Treaty on December 12, 1996.  The Treaty which has 12 Articles came into force on January 1, 1997.

(b)       The formulation for sharing of Ganga waters from Farakka barrage has been worked out for the 150 day dry season from January 1 to May 31.

(c)       The formulation is subject to the condition that India and Bangladesh shall each receive a guaranteed 35,000 cusecs of water in alternate three 10-day periods during March 1 - May 10.

(d)       The Treaty recognises the need to augment the dry season flows of the Ganga as part of a long-term solution.

(e)       An Indo-Bangladesh Joint Committee has been set up to oversee implementation of the Treaty.

(f)        The Treaty will be subject to a compulsory five year review.  The first review is also possible after two years if demanded by either parties.

(g)       The significance of the Treaty lies more in enhancing bilateral relations.  It paves way for bilateral co-operation in all spheres which will benefit the people of the two countries and bring stability and prosperity in the region.

7.         The Chakma Refugees Problem .

(a)       The Chakmas who follow Buddhist religion inhabit the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh.  About 60,000 Chakma refugees had crossed to Tripura in India since April 1986 following disturbances in the region.

(b)       With the signing of the Peace Accord between the Bangladesh Government and the Chakmas, the 12-year old Chakma refugee crisis between India and Bangladesh came to an end on February 27, 1998.

(c)       The 60,000 Chakma refugees in Tripura were repatriated to Bangladesh in six phases.

8.         Transit  and Shipping Facilities .

(a)       Transit through Bangladesh for connecting North-East India with the mainland has been a contentious issue between the two countries.

(b)       India wants the transit facilities for movement of Indian citizens and goods to the  North-East through Bangladesh.  Such transit facilities will reduce the cost of goods and overcome communication bottlenecks.  India has stated that such a transit would economically benefit Bangladesh to a great extent.

(c)       Transit facilities are also important to India for security reasons in view of the insurgency in the North-East.

(d)       Bangladesh has so far not agreed to the transit facilities on grounds of security concerns.

(e)       India also wants the reopening of the river route connecting Assam with Bangladesh as it would give the North-East direct access to international market through the Chittagong port.

9.         Insurgent Bases in Bangladesh.

(a)       India has told Bangladesh that insurgents from the North-East of India are having bases in Bangladesh which is a threat to India’s security.

(b)       Bangladesh has clarified that it has no interest in supporting any insurgency-related activity against India or harbouring in Bangladesh any such insurgents which vitiates friendly relations with India.

10.             Trade Imbalance.  The trade imbalance between the two countries is in favour of India.  Bangladesh seeks the withdrawal of countervailing duty imposed by India and duty cuts on 106 items to reduce the imbalance.

MYANMAR

MYANMAR

State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)

1.         On November 15, 1997, the ruling military junta of Myanmar announced that the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was dissolved and in its place the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was constituted.

2.         The SPDC was made up of four Government Heads and 15 commanders of various military regions of Myanmar and could represent a consolidation of power of top military leaders, according to analysts.

3.         The leaders at the Head of the Council are the chairman of SLORC, Sr Gen. Than Shwe, Gen. Maung Aye, SLORC  secretary one Kihn Nyut, head of military intelligence and SLORC  secretary two, Gen. Tin Oo.

4.         At the second level, the functional Government has been reconstituted with about 40 Ministries, many of them new faces and the second rung of regional commanders from the armed forces.

5.         Objectives. To build a new modern and developed nation and to usher in a disciplined flourishing democracy.

6.         Critics have dismissed these changes as cosmetic and making little difference either to the people or to the process of restoring democracy.

7.         The changes came at a time when the military Government seem to harden its stance against pro-democracy leaders, particularly Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi of the National League for Democracy (NLD).

Background

8.         Myanmar formerly known as Burma has been ruled by the military Government since 1988. The military crushed the protests and recaptured power by setting up the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).  The brutal suppression of democratic uprisings resulted in the death of thousands of people.

9.         Democratic elections were held by the SLORC in1990.  The National League for Democracy (NLD) of the dissident leader Ms. Suu Kyi, won the election capturing 392 of the 485 seats.  However, the military junta could not bear to see the verdict and ordered the annulling of the verdict.  Ms. Suu Kyi and hundereds of political activists were arrested.

10.       In 1993, the SLORC organised a Constitutional Convention to draw up guidelines for a new Constitution.  However, the elected members were in minority in the convention with 85 per cent of the 702 delegates being handpicked by SLORC.

11.       The purpose of the Convention was to give the military a permanent guiding role in the Government.  Thus, the military Government wanted its leading role in the future of politics in Mynmar to be enshrined in the Constitution.

12.       Ms. Suu Kyi was freed by SLORC in July 1995.  The confrontation between Ms. Suu  Kyi and the military has been rising ever since.  Ms. Suu Kyi has demanded that the Partliament elected in 1990 should be called into session.  The SLORC  has responded by saying that the term of those elected has already expired.

13.       The NLD has rejected the participation of the military in any future Government.  It was emphasised that the armed forces should be an honourable institution which should have the goal of defending the nation and helping bring back democracy to Myanmar.

14.       In May 1997, the US imposed unilateral investment sanctions on Myanmar.  Under the measures, intended to help in the restorationof democracy, US firms will be barred from making fresh investments in Myanmar.

15.       Myanmar was also admitted as a full member of ASEAN  (Association of South-East Asian Nations) in 1997.

16.       In December 1997, Myanmar was also admitted in the trade and business bloc of nations along the Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Co-operation (BISTEC) grouping has being renamed BIMSTEC to accommodate Myanmar.

Indo-Myanmar Relations

17.       Mynamar  shares 1600 km border and is an important neighbour of India because its utility as a gateway to the ASEAN  and its strategic location.  The country has long remained a haven for the insurgents in the North-East of India.

18.       India appears to be caught in a bind on dealing with Myanmar, according to analysts.  India as the largest democracy in the world cannot ignore the Pro-democracy struggle by Ms. Aung Suu Kyi.  At the same time India needs cordial relations with Myanmar to tackle the North-East insurgency.

19.       The shift in India’s position came during the Narasimha Rao period when the Government indicated that it was reluctant to take up the pro-democracy issue in a big way.

20.       The change in India’s attitude was reciprocated by the SLORC and insubsequent years, the two sides held regular meetings on security-related matters.  Mynamar also co-operated  with India on North-East insurgents.

21.       India’s policy on Myanmar has been criticised as being short-sighted.  Critics want India to actively join the international effort to isolate SLORC and pave the way for democracy.

22.             Analysts feel  Government of India should engage the military junta in Myanmar in trade-cum-strategic talks but simultaneously pile pressure on the regime to return the country to the democratic path.

23.       Visits  Army chief Gen VP Malik and home secretary Kamal Pande visited Myanmar.  This along with import of 50,000 tonnes of rice from Myanmar have set the stage for the first high level, week long visit from Myanmar in mid Nov 2000.  The saliant points of the visit are  :-

(a)              Myanmar delegation was headed by Gen Maung Aye, vice Chairman of the ruling SDPC (No2 man).  He is the most senior govt member to visit since SDPC took over in 1988.

(b)              India will extend a credit loan of $15 million for Myanmar to purchase Indian capital goods.

(c)              India & Myanmar to co-ordinate their activities to control militency in the North East by joint patroling and joint manning of the BOPs.

TAIWAN

TAIWAN

Introduction

1.         Developed  Economy.  Taiwan or the Republic of China is one of East Asia’s developed economy with a per capita  GNP ( Gross National Propduct) of $ 12,500.  It is the world’s 19th largest economy and 15th largest trading country.

2.         Political Revolution.  Taiwan has  gone through a political revolution since its break-up from the Chinese mainland in 1949.  The poliltical revolution in Taiwan culminated with the first ever Presidential elections held in 4,000 years of Chinese history.

3.         Who was also the incumbent President.  The next elections are due in March 2000.

4.         Renegade Province of China.  China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and in its view the elections were a ploy by Taiwan to declare independence.  Before the elections in 1996, China held war exercises in the Taiwan Straits to intimidate voters and the incumbent President, Mr.Lee Teng-hui.

5.         War of Words.  The latest war of words between Taiwan and China has once again sparked off tensions in the region with the danger of a possible military strike by China on Taiwan.

Background

6.         Formation of Taiwan.  Taiwan which calls itself the Republic of China was formed in 1949 when Mao Zedong’s Communist forces pushed Chiang Kai-shek’s regime of mainland China and drove it to Taiwan.

7.         Population of Taiwan.  Taiwan and its smaller islands are separated from the Chinese mainland by the Taiwan Strait, about 130km wide.  It has a population of 21 million, 85 per cent of whom are native-born and the rest are Chinese who fled from the mainland.

8.         International Recognition.  Taiwan did not have any contact with the mainland from 1949 to the late 1980s when a ban on trade and travel was lifted. Currently most countries recognise China as the mother country of Taiwan.  Only 29 countries recognise Taiwan while 160 countries recognise the Peoples Republic of China.

9.         KMT.  The Nationalist Party, or Koumintang (KMT), ruled China from 1911 to 1949, and Taiwan from 1949 to the present day.

10.       Martial Law.  The Nationalist Party (KMT) of Chiang Kai-shek ruled by martial law until 1987 when his son Chiang Ching-kuo, opened the political system, lifting martial law.

11.       Parliamentary Elections.  The current President Mr. Lee Tend-hui succeeded Mr.Ching-kuo in 1988 and continued the reform process, holding parliamentary elections in 1992.

12.       First Presidential Elections.  Direct Presidential elections were held for the first time on March 23, 1996, to complete the democratic process. Along with the President 13 National Assembly members were also elected.  The functions of the National Assembly members is limited to approving constitutional changes.

13.       War Games by China.  Before the 1996 Presidential elections in Taiwan, China carried our military exercises and unarmed missile tests in the Taiwan straits.  The missile tests showed the vulnerability of Taiwan to Chinese attacks.  This was seen as a warning  by China to discourage Taiwan from seeking independence.  China has emphasised that it will invade Taiwan if it seeks independence.

14.       Response from the US.  On March 22, 1996, the US Senate voted to defend Taiwan if China attacked the island.  The US moved two warships closer to Taiwan Straits.  The US also agreed to sell mobile stinger anti-aircraft missiles and other new defensive arms to Taiwan.

Sino-Taiwan Relations

15.       Taiwan’s Stand.

(a)       Contact with China on Equal Basis.

(i)        On July 9, 1999, Taiwan’s President, Mr.Lee Teng-hui in a controversial policy shift announced that talks between Taiwan’s nationalist government and China’s Communist government be conducted on a “special state-to-state” basis.

(ii)       Mr.Lee emphasised that because the exiled Republic of China or Taiwan was elected by and for the people of Taiwan and had nothing to do with the Chinese mainland, the only basis for contacts was between equals.

(iii)     It was also pointed out by Mr.Lee that bilateral contacts over the past decade had yielded some fruits but China’s refusal to accept the concept of divided rule  and its unyielding military threats against Taiwan had made fundamental improvements in relations impossible.

(b)       Reason’s for the shift in Taiwan’s Policy.

(i)        Domestic Compulsions.  Analysts feel that by harping on Taiwan’s sovereignty, President Lee wants to outmanoeuvre all his opponents in the next Presidential elections which are due in March 2000.

(ii)       Strain in Sino-US Relations.  President Lee is also aware of the current strain in  Sino-US relations and wants to take advantage of the situation.

(c)       Taiwan’s Constitution Unchanged.  On July 30, 1999, Taiwan’s Parliament, fearing China’s retaliation, refused to amend the Constitution to declare Taiwan an independent nation.  The ruling Nationalist party caucus refused to endorse the Opposition party’s proposal to write the President, Mr.Lee’s Statehood claims into the Constitution.

(d)       No Preconditions for Constructive Dialogue.

(i)        Taiwan refused  to accept any preconditions for the planned historic visit to the island by China’s top negotiator.  The planned trip was agreed in October 1998 by both sides in order to maintain dialogue toward improving relations, and neither side attached any precondition then.

(ii)       The Chinese President Mr.Jiang Zemin has emphasised that for the trip to go ahead, Taiwan’s President must withdraw his july assertion that China should regard Taiwan as a separate State.

(e)       Refutes Reunification.  In October 1999, Taiwan refuted Chinese President’s claim that Taiwan must be reunified with China before 2050.  It has proposed that China should set a timetable for its own democratisation.

(f)        Rejection of China’s Claim to Sovereignty over Taiwan.

(i)        In November 1999, Taiwan’s President, Mr.Lee Teng-hui again stirred up the issue of his country’s relations with China, urging the international community to accept the reality of Taiwan as a democratic state in its own right.

(ii)       Mr.Lee pointed out that it was a “fiction” to claim that the Chinese nation was not divided and rejected China’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan.

(iii)     Mr.Lee also stressed on the differences in political, economic and social structure between the mainland and Taiwan.  He also emphasised that relations could only improve if China dropped its threat of force to ultimately reunite China.

(g)       Call for US Missile Shield.  In August 1999 Taiwan’s Cabinet approved a draft report making clear it wants a missile defence system in order to cope with the missile threat from China.

16.       China’s Stand.

(a)       Reaction to President Lee’s Comments.

(i)        China has accused Taiwan’s President, Mr. Lee Teng-hui of taking a dangerous step towards splitting the country by advocating ‘state-to-state’ relations between China and Taiwan.

(ii)       It was also emphasised that Mr.Lee comments will have  an adverse impact on cross-straits relations and harm the process of reunification of China.

(iii)     China has not ruled out the use of   force to invade Taiwan if it declares independence.

(b)       Military Exercises. In August 1999 China upgraded the status of military exercises in Gansu province to “war zone” level.  The use of the term war zone appeared aimed at intimidating Taiwan.  The upgrade represented a significant increase in the level of military preparedness, according to military experts.

(c)       Opposes inclusion of Taiwan in the Missile Defence System.  China firmly opposed any move to include Taiwan into the proposed US Theatre Missile Defence (TMD) system in East Asia.  It demanded that the US uphold its commitment to the three Sino-US joint communiques.

(d)       Warns US Congress.

(i)        China has warned that the US should desist from making a legislative measure on Taiwan a full-fledged law.  China has taken strong exception to the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act which was endorsed by the International Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives.

(ii)       The Act envisages increased military exchanges between the US and Taiwan and specifies that the US will protect Taiwan from outside coercion and force.

The Role Played by the US

17.       One China Policy.  The US recognises that there is only one-China and Taiwan is a part of China.  This is enshrined in the Shanghai Communique of 1972.  The US President, reiterated the one-China policy to his Chinese counterpart and expressed hope that both sides could maintain dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully.

18.       No Diplomatic Recognition to Taiwan.  The US has given diplomatic recognition to China and not Taiwan.  However, powerful forces in the US Congress consistently urge the President to tip the balance away from the Communist China and more toward Taiwan.

19.       Taiwan Relations Act.

(a)       The Taiwan Relations Act(TRA), commits the US to supply Taiwan with weaponry.  However, the TRA is also meant to disabuse Taiwan of any notion that unconditional US intervention is guaranteed in the event of any conflict it may have with China.

(b)       Analysts point out that this is a clever ploy by the US to deter Taiwan from possibly declaring its independence from China while, at the same time discouraging China from following its option of using military force for unification.

20.       Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.

(a)       The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act was endorsed by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee in October 1999.

(b)       The new legislation proposes to authorise specific new co-operation between the two governments, including the sale of US Theatre Missile Defences (TMD), satelite early warning data, diesel submarines and Aim-120 air-to-air missiles.

(c)       It also bans any limits on arms sales.  However, the US has promised in a 1982 agreement with China to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan.  The US officials have stressed that this is unlikely unless China moves towards peaceful reconciliation with Taiwan.

Conclusion

21.       Implications of Taiwanese President’s Statement.  Taiwan’s President, Mr.Lee’s statement advocating ‘state-to-state’ relations between China and Taiwan has the following implications according to analysts.

(a)       The Taiwan problem is no longer a Sino-US one’ it will be more critically a China-Taiwan problem. It will create foreign policy and security issues for Asia.

(b)       Taiwan’s progress towards independence could set a precedent for Tibet and Xinjiang provinces which are already restive and capable of getting external support and sympathy.

22.       Strained Sino-US Relations.  The US role of guarantor of Taiwan’s security irks China, according to analysts.  The present stand-off will further complicate the already troubled Sino-US relations.

23.       Impact on the Security of the Region.

(a)       Analysts feel that the Chinese fears are focussed on the US. It has attempted to persuade the US that the two countries have shared, not competing interests in Asia and the world and they should build a co-operative relationship and structures that advance mutual security.

(b)       The main objective of China according to analysts was to prevent the return and consolidation of a hostile US military presence in Asia.  However, in the last two years, China and the US have been pulling in different directions.

(c)       Over the last five years, the US has worked to revive its security arrangements in Asia, particularly with Japan, which also has economic interests with  Taiwan .  China fears that this will affect the balance of security in the region and lead to an arms race.

19.             Political Dialogue.  Finally, analysts point out that Mr.Lee should evolve a diplomatic approach and a political package to beg

20.             In substantive negotiations with mainland China on their future relations. This, the problem can be better resolved through a political dialogue than by the use of force.

TIBET

TIBET

Introduction

1.         International pressure has been mounting over China to inject a degree of liberalism in its rule over Tibet.  On the other hand China is also diplomatically persuading the West about its legitimate right in relation to Tibet.

2.         Analysts feel that the China’s policy on the question is human rights in Tibet and the region’s autonomy has left much to  be desired.

Background

3.         The Chinese Army entered Tibet in 1950.

4.         The Dalai Lama is the supreme leader of Tibet.  The present Dalai Lama is the 14th in line.

5.         In 1959, the present Dalai Lama fled into exile as an uprising against Chinese rule collapsed.  Currently he is  based in India.

Dalai Lama’s Stand

6.         According to the Dalai Lama, Tibet is a separate nation, and his effort is to solve the problem not through a call for independence but for regional autonomy.

7.         He emphasised on seeking genuine autonomy in all aspects of Tibetan life, except defence and foreign affairs.

8.         The Dalai Lama has stressed that talks with China are essential to resolve Tibet’s problem.

9.         The Dalai Lama has been trying to convince the Chinese Government to come to the negotiating table to establish a truly self-governing Tibet within the framework of China.

China’s Stand

10.       China has firmly ruled out a dialogue with the Dalai Lama over the quantum of autonomy which the region should enjoy. This was prompted by the international criticism of human rights violations in Tibet.

11.       The China has accused the Dalai Lama of vilifying and attacking the development and progress made in new Tibet and fabricating stastistics to confuse world opinion.

India’s Policy on Tibet

12.       Sino-Indian Accord.  According to the 1954 Sino Indian Accord, India recognised that Tibet was an integral part of China and considered it to be an autonomous region of China.

13.       Adequate Autonomy.  While acknowledging Chinese sovereignty, India is of the view that Tibet should have adequate autonomy.  This is reasonable as Chinese have accepted the principle of ‘one country two systems’ for Hong Kong.

14.       Implications for India’s Security.  India should be legitimately concerned about the situation in Tibet having serious implications on its security, economy and evnironment.

15.       Militarisation of Tibet.  China’s activities in Tibet are the reason behind some of the major Sino-Indian irritants.  India has reason to be concerned about the increasing militarisation of Tibet.

16.       Targeting India.  China has been actively building military infrastructure in Tibet such as runways and missile-delivery sites so as to allow aircraft like SU-27 and other bombers to take off and engage targets inside Indian territory.  The improved military capability in Tibet is not meant for other countries like Bangladesh and Nepal and could target only India.

17.       Environmental Implications.  The nuclearisation of Tibet and the dumping of radioactive wastes has grave environmental implications for India, because it may lead to polution of Brahmaputra river which originates in Tibet.

18.             Early Solution in India’s Interest.  An early solution to the Tibetan problem is in India’s interests as there are over one lakh Tibetan refugees in the country for over 40 years.  Analysts feel that India should call upon China to resume the dialogue with Dalai Lama.

SINO- INDIAN RELATIONS

SINO- INDIAN RELATIONS

Introduction

1.         Sino-Indian relations have always had an impact on the balance of power in Asia.  Both the countries have played vital roles in shaping the dynamics of the Cold War in Asia.

2.         There has been deterioration in Sino-Indian relations after the conduction of nuclear tests by India.  China adopted a brazenly partisan attitude by terming India’s nuclear tests as “outrageous’ but describing Pakistan’s nuclear tests as only ‘regrettable”.

3.         China’s action in mobilising international opinion against India and campaigning for sanctions against it showed itself revealingly in solidarity with the US Administration.

Background

4.         India accorded diplomatic recognition to the Peoples Republic of China on December 30, 1949.  The Peoples Liberation  Army (PLA) made China independent through a revolution in 1949.

5.         The relations between India and China in the 1959’s were very cordial and peaceful.  In 1954, the Chinese Premier, Mr Zou En Lai visited India which led to the signing of two accords as follows:

(a)       First Accord.  India recognised Tibet as an integral part of China and considered it to be an autonomous region of China.

(b)       Second Accord.  The declaration of Panchsheel in the Joint Communique.  The Panchsheel enshrines the five principles of co-existence as follows:-

(i)        Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of all States.

(ii)       Non-Aggression.

(iii)     Non-Interference in Territorial affairs.

(iv)      Equality and Mutuality.

(v)       Peaceful Co-existance.

6.         In the late 1950’s China, occupied small portions of territory along the Indo-Tibet Frontier.  In 1962, India and China fought a war which resulted in China occupying sizeable portions of the Indian territory in the West (Ladakh and in the East (Arunchal Pradesh).

7.         The Indian Parliament passed a resolution in 1962, pledging to wage an unending struggle till the complete recovery of Indian territory from China and it also forbade cessation any occupied territory to China as part of any border settlement.

8.         In the 1970' s some efforts were made by India to normalise relations with China.

9.         In the 1980’s more efforts were made to normalise the relations.  The real break-through in the relations between the two countries came during the path-breaking visit undertaken by Mr Rajiv Gandhi in 1988.

10.       The 1990’s saw a beginning of the ‘detente’ in the context of changing equations in the global scenario.

11.       China’s President, Mr Jiang Zemin visited in November 1997.  This was the first ever visit by a Chinese Head of the State to India. Four agreements were signed during the visit.

Border Dispute

12.       Background. The 4060 km long Sino-Indian border has been the bone of contention between the two countries.  The border dispute goes back the Shimla Conference of 1914 when the representative of British India, Tibet and China met.  it was decided in the conference that:

(a)       Tibet was an autonomous country.

(b)       The Mcmahon Line would be the boundary between India and Tibet.

(c)       Chinese sovereignty of some sort would extend over Tibet.

13.       At the 1914 conference the representatives of India and Tibet signed the agreement, China did not, then dispute the Mcmahon Line.

14.       The Indo-China-Tibet boundary or the McMahon Line in the East and the boundary (Aksai Chin) along Ladakh in the West remained a boundary by usage and understanding. The result was that the precise boundary was not demarcated, leading to border skirmishes in 1962 and the Chinese penetration into the Sumdurung Chu Valley of Arunachal Pradesh in 1986.

15.       The Main Areas of the Border Dispute.  The Mc Mahon Line is not recognised by China.

16.       The integration of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh into India is also not recognised by China.

17.       India’s Position.

(a)       The border in the West should remain at the 1959 position thereby implying that it does not recognise China’s claim over Aksai Chin.  The northern borders of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim correspond to the McMahon Line and hence the boundary.

(b)       India also holds that China is in Posession of Indian territory which it occupied during the 1962 conflict.

(c)       The territory west of Karakoram within Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) belongs to India and has been illegally ceeded by Pakistan to China.

18.       Talks to Resolve the Border Dispute.  In 1993, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narasimha Rao, the Sino-Indian Accord to establish peace and tranquility along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) was signed.  Both countries declared an end of possible air violations of the border by their military planes.

19.       The meeting of the experts from both sides laid foundation for a dialogue by the Sino-Indian Joint Working Group (JWG), the apex body negotiating the final settlement of the border dispute.

20.       The meeting of the JWG is expected to be held soon to move ahead with the resolution of the border dispute.

20.             The agreement of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) signed during the visit by the Chinese President to India in 1997 reiterates the determination of both sides to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question.

Irritants in Sino-Indian Relations

22.       The overt and covert military assistance provided by China to Pakistan is the biggest impediment in improving Sino-Indian relations.  The Sino-Pakistan collusion in the nuclear field is seen as China’s long term strategy in gaining supremacy in Asia.

23.       China looks at India as a serious rival to its monopoly in Asia and hence India’s efforts to emerge as a regional power are thwarted.  The clandestine help to Pakistan is seen as a part of China’s strategy to check India.

24.       Presently China has joined hands with the US and others in internationalising the Kashmir issue to embarass India.

25.       The non-resolution of Aksai Chin and other boundary disputes.  China has laid claim to 90,000 square kms of Arunachal Pradesh.

26.       China has built military bases in Tibet and Myanmar which are seen by India as a threat to its national security.

27.       Beijing Meet.  The 11th round of Joint Working Group (JWG) talks were held in Beijing on April 26 and 27, 1999.  The Indian side was led by the Foreign Secretary, Mr K, Raghunath, while the Chinese side was headed by a Vice-Foreign Minister, Mr. Yand Wenchang.  the last  JWG meeting was held in August 1997.

28.       Bilateral Relations.  Both the countries felt that there was considerable scope for developing and expanding bilateral relations in economic, commercial and other fields.

29.       Role in the New World Order.  As two large countries and neighbours India and China had important role to play in shaping the emerging new world order, the Panchsheel initiated by the India and China should form the basis for inter-State relations universally.

30.       Line of Actual Control (LAC).  Both the sides reviewed the situation along the  LAC in the border areas, with each side providing clarification sought by the other.  However, they were not nearer to any solution to the vexed problem of delineating the LAC and related matters.  The LAC and related matters have been part of the JWG agenda ever since it was set up.

31.       Nuclear Issue.  For the first time India directly explained to China its nuclear doctrine of minimum credible deterrence.  China reiterated its basic position on India’s nuclear explosions.

32.       Sino-Pak Nuclear Co-operation. India raised the question of China’s continuing support to Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme. China replied that its nuclear cooperation with Pakistan was confined to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and that this was carried our under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA).

33.       Kosovo Crisis. India and China shared the common view that if the West is allowed to have its way in Kosovo, a precedent would be set where by the sovereignty of any country, big or small can be breached with impunity.

34.       Expert Groups.  A meeting of expert groups from the two countries will be held in a few months time in order to keep the dialogue process on track.

Reasons for Resumption of Dialogue by China

35.       India’s Positive Attitude.  Analysts feel that the positive attitude shown by India especially by the External Affairs Minister Mr. Jaswant Singh was taken note of by China.

36.       India’s Engagement With Other Nations.  India’s positive engagement with other nations, bilaterally and at the multilateral fora may have forced China to resume dialogue with India.

37.       Diplomatic Effort.  The persistent efforts of diplomats in China and India also bore fruit.

38.       Peace and Tranquility along the Border.  Analysts feel that China must be interested in peace and Tranquility in its border with India in view of the uncertainty in the EastAsian region.

39.       China’s Deterriorating Relations with US.  China’s relations with the US have worsened in recent times which could also be one of the reasons behind China’s changed attitude towards India.

Need for Improved Sino-Indian Relations

40.       Security Concerns.  Analysts opine that India and China should address their respective security concerns frankly and openly.  This will allow the two Asian giants to rebuild their relations.  The two countries can play a vital role in shaping the new world order.

41.       Economic Relations.  Trade between the two countries was nearly $ 4.5 billion.  china has asked for India’s support in its bid to join the World Trade Organisation.

42.       Peace and Stability in Asia.  Long term peace and stability in Asia will depend on improved Sino-Indian relations.  This will require a basis for each other’s mutual concern.

Suggestions to Improve Sino-Indian Relations

43.       Diplomacy.  The current slump in Sino-India relations can be overcome by some deft diplomacy.  The two sides should address issues relevant for a stable and long-term relationship.

44.       Transparency in Relations.    The current situation demands a greater need for transparency in the Sino-Indian relations.  Both the sides must explore each others geo-strategic perceptions.

45.       Co-operative Relationship.  India and China can benefit a lot from a cordial and co-operative relationship rather than engaging in needless confrontation.  Sino-Indian co-operation was the key factor in preventing the US from dominating the Kyoto Conference on global warming.

46.       Common Interests on Global Issues.  India and China have more common interests on global issues than the US and China.  Such common issues of mutual interest should be identified for enhanced co-operation in the global arena.

47.       Confidence Building Measures.  Finally, both sides need to start bilateral talks on enhancing the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and the resolution of the long pending boundary disputes.

Conclusion

48.       The resumption of the Sino-Indian dialogue was significant as it ended a year-long bitterness in the bilateral relationship.  For the first time both sides discussed issues like China’s support to pakistan’s nuclear programme and India’s Nuclear doctrine.

49.       India needs to develop a long-term view of its ties with China on the basis of its interests and experiences.  India should follow a policy of measured non-conforntation avoiding irrelevant tensions without compromising  any aspect of its national interest and integrity.

50.       India and China seem to have realised that renewed dialogue and restoration of ties to a reasonable level will help in moving forward on the vast agenda taken up by the JWG.  Normalisation of bilateral relations is a key for India and China to play a crucial role in shaping the new world order.

China

CHINA

Introduction

1.         The year 1999 was celebrated in China as the 50th anniversary of the formation of the communist state.  Incidently 1999 was also the 10th year of the infamous Tiananmen Square killings.

2.         In January 1999, the ruling Communist Party indulged in the widest crackdown against dissidents.  The crackdown was on a broad-based attempt to form the country’s first opposition party.  China’s President Mr. Jiang Zemin rejected suggestions of political pluralism.  This has put into doubt China’s resolve to sign the international convenat on human rights which had been promised during the Clinton visit to China.

Economy

3.         Economics of China is an example for all the developing countries.  In 15 years China has emerged economically stronger.  Certain attributes are highlighted in the succeeding sub-paras.

(a)       Economic Growth. Economic growth in China during the last two decades has been spectacular.  Chinese economy adopted the market system and opened up to trade and foreign investments.

(b)       Economic Reforms.  The economic reforms programme was started by the late leader Deng Xiaoping.  The past two decades of economic reforms have changed China dramatically.  The economy has been significantly liberalised with the introduction of capitalism as the basic economic system, the steady retreat of the state from economic, social and cultural life and the open door policy.

(c)       Constitutional Amendments.  In March 1999, the National Peoples Congress voted for three changes to the Chinese constitution that gave legal standing to the private sector.  The reformists headed by the Prime Minister Mr Zhu Rongji are moving towards restructuring and ultimately abolishing China’s public sector.

Human Rights

4.         China has indicated that it will sign a major UN treaty on civil and political rights.

129.    China’s Constitution gurantees freedom of speech, assembly and religion and other civil liberties, but in reality these rights are severely curtailed by laws and regulations.

130.    The authorities have argued that the rights of 1.2 billion people to economic security supersede other liberties.

5.         China has also emphasised that every nation defines human rights differently.

6.         China prohibits Roman Catholics from recognising the Vatican’s authority and Government campaigns are under way to tighten control over the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and Islamic study groups.

Minorities in China

7.         The religious minorities have to contend with the dominance of the Han Chinese, the mainland’s main ethnic composite.  The minoriteis constitue about 91 million people.

8.         Minorities constituting 8% of the population are spread over 63% of the territory.  The largest minoritites are Muslims, with 18 million people followed by Zhung with 13 million people and four million Tibetans.

9.         Tibet has attracted attention over human rights issue but the main problems facing the ethnic minorities are their isolation, economic and social neglect and domination by other numerical superior groups.

10.       Xinjiang an autonomous province of China in the Northwest with a majority of Uighurs-Muslims of Turkish origin - has seen an escalation of violence in the last few years.

11.       The developments in Central Asia and Afganistan have influenced the Muslim minority and China is finding it difficult to curb the spillover of Islamic radicalism.

12.       Islamic groups have stepped up their ac                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                aggression or expansion according to Chief of General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), General Fu Quanyou.

15.       No Military Alliance.  While implementing a strategy of active defence, China does not seek military alliance with any country, nor does it station any troops abroad or establish overseas military bases, according to General Fu.  This contradicts its establishment of a monitoring station for movement of ships in Indian Occean for trade purposes, possibly in the disguise of an ulterior motive.

16.       PLA Mission.  The PLA mission is to strengthen the national defence, fend off aggression, safeguard territorial sovereignty and the rights and interests of territorial waters, and maintain national integrity and safety, according to General Fu.

17.       Defence Budget.  China’s defence budget for 1999 was increased by 12.7 percent.  Analysis feel that the increase would help the army to carry on with its modernisation plans and emerge as a lean but mean force.

18.       Nuclear Arsenal.  According to New York Times, China possessed roughly upto 20 missiles that could reach the US and about 300 nuclear weapons abroad medium-range missiles or bombers that could hit India Russia and Japan.

19.       Nuclear Strategy.  In the next decade China could fundamentally alter its nuclear strategy from being one that is largely defensive to one that could become a far more potent arsenal that could rekindle the kind of fears that shaped the Cold-War, according to the New York Times report.

China’s Role in Asia-Pacific Security

20.       Key Role in Asia-Pacific Security.  According to the US Defence Department lasting security in Asia-Pacific is not posible without a constructive role by China.  As a nuclear weapon state, a leading regional military power and global player with permanent seat in the UN Security Council, China plays a key role in Asia-Pacific security.

21.       Post-Cold War Regional Security. In the post Cold-War era, regional security is related to stability in ties among China, the US and Japan.  Worsening relations between these countries will have their fallout on the entire region, according to analysts.

22.       Unresolved Territorial Disputes.  There are a number of unresolved territorial disputes in the region involving maritime boundaries and possible mineral resources.  The disputes in the region include the Spartleys Islands, the Paracels, the Senkaku or the Takeshima islands and Russo-Japanese dispute over the Northern Territories.

23.       Resurgence of China.  China’s emergence as an economic power accomplished by a huge military modernisation programme has made its neighbour apprehensive.  In 1996 China launched missiles near Taiwan and practically stopped all shipping in the Taiwan Straits which are international waters.  The region is finding it difficult to adjust to a resurgent China.

24.       Counter Balance by the US.  Japan and Taiwan are trying to strengthen their alliance with the US because of China’s belligerent actions.  The US is consolidating its position in the region and has argued for a beefed up missile defence in the region to address concerns about China.