Bilateral Ties Research Articles

Impact of Nepal-India Relations on Arun III Hydroelectric Project Implementation

The Arun III Hydroelectric Project, Nepal's largest hydropower enterprise, is a cornerstone of Nepal-India bilateral ties, demonstrating the intricate interaction of energy diplomacy, political dynamics, and economic cooperation. This paper investigates how these bilateral ties have impacted the implementation of the Arun III project, from its inception to its current evolution. It examines the historical framework of Nepal-India interactions, including political agreements, economic interdependence, and regional geopolitics, which have influenced the project's progress. The article also discusses the obstacles that have hampered the project's timely completion, such as border conflicts, economic blockades, and changes in political leadership. It also looks at the opportunities that come with effective partnership, with a focus on energy commerce and sustainable development in South Asia. This paper, using international relations theory and detailed case studies, provides a comprehensive understanding of how bilateral relations between Nepal and India have shaped the Arun III project's trajectory, as well as insights into the broader implications for cross-border infrastructure development in the region.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Unresolved Issues During the Era of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid

This research offers a thorough study of Pak-Bangladesh relations under the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid from her return to power in 2009 to the present. Understood within the larger framework of South Asian geopolitics, the study aims to clarify the evolution, dynamics, and subtleties of the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. It looks at how interactions between the two countries have been shaped by historical legacies, home political environments, and regional as well as worldwide factors. The study is organized around themes of the historical background of Pak-Bangladesh relations, the effect of Sheikh Hasina's leadership on bilateral ties, the function of economic and trade alliances, and the influence of third-party countries and international organizations. Examined are important events, diplomatic interactions, and policy choices to find their underlying reasons and effects. Particularly under consideration are divisive topics including historical grievances, economic cooperation, security difficulties, and cultural diplomacy.

Indo-American Relations during Donald Trump Era: Implications for Pakistan

The Indo-American relations during the Donald Trump era undertook a noteworthy transformation, from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. Major components of the relationship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and American President Donald Trump and the implications of their relationship for Pakistan are stated in this research. Throughout Trump's Presidency, there was a fusion of worries and strategic collaborations in Indo-US relations. The American administration recognized and admitted India as a vital player in the Indo-Pacific region to counterbalance China's rising influence there. This was mirrored in the "2+2" dialogues and the "Howdy Modi" event as these events indicated the firming of economic, military, and political assistance. The extending Indo-American cooperation carried serious implications for Pakistan's traditional alliance with the United States. The United States forced Pakistan to address subjects like terrorism and stability of the region and this pressure stressed bilateral ties.

CPEC: A SOURCE OF STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TIES AND DRIVING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), significantly enhancing cooperation and interconnectivity between Pakistan and China. This $62 billion initiative, spanning communication infrastructure, energy, telecommunication, industrial zones, and Gwadar Port, is not just an economic endeavor. It holds immense strategic importance for both regional and extra-regional countries. By enhancing trade routes and transforming Pakistan’s geostrategic importance, particularly through the link between Gwadar Port and Xinjiang, CPEC provides China with direct access to the Arabian Sea. This paper delves into how CPEC strengthens bilateral ties between China and Pakistan, contributes to regional economic and political stability, and serves as a model for international collaboration. The project’s success is underpinned by infrastructure improvements, energy investments, and an expanded transportation network, positioning Pakistan as a key player in global trade and furthering China’s geopolitical and economic ambitions. Beyond development, CPEC fosters a new era of bilateral cooperation and shared strategic objectives, serving as a beacon of international collaboration.

India-Nepal Relations in the Modi Era: Dynamics, Challenges, and Prospects

The India-Nepal relationship, marked by shared historical, cultural, and geographical ties, has seen both cooperation and discord. Despite a foundation of mutual respect, these South Asian neighbors have occasionally faced strains and disagreements in their bilateral relations. This research aims to thoroughly examine the dynamics, challenges, and prospects of India-Nepal relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure from 2014 to 2024. It has three primary objectives: firstly, to understand the dynamics influencing the relationship; secondly, to identify and analyze challenges in maintaining and strengthening bilateral ties; and thirdly, to explore potential opportunities shaping their future relationship. The study considers historical, cultural, and political factors affecting the evolving dynamics, including recent border disputes, and employs a multi-methodological approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex bilateral relationship under Modi's leadership.

ARMENIAN-CHINESE RELATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF CHINA'S FOREIGN ECONOMIC POLICY

Armenian-Chinese economic relations encompass several key components that reflect both the evolution of bilateral ties and China's broader global economic strategy. These relations are significantly shaped by China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, which offers Armenia various investment opportunities and economic benefits. However, the relationship is not one-sided. Both countries are actively working to enhance their trade relations, demonstrating consistent growth. They have the potential to explore new markets and further develop their economic connections. This article discusses the directions and opportunities for advancing Armenia-China relations and presents specific approaches and measures to stimulate development.

Diplomatic Geography of Xi Jinping: What the Statistics of the Chinese Leader’s Foreign Visits Reveal

This article seeks to delineate the foreign policy priorities of the People's Republic of China (PRC) by analyzing the international visits of Chinese President Xi Jinping. It posits that the evolution of a state's foreign policy can be traced through the foreign engagements of its leaders. This is particularly pertinent for China, where presidential visits are historically significant. The article offers an overview of China's traditional diplomacy and the foreign policy activities of Xi Jinping's predecessors. It concludes that Xi Jinping continues to undertake foreign visits in alignment with the «openness» policy, similar to his predecessors. Through a detailed analysis of the frequency and destinations of Xi Jinping's international visits over his two terms, the authors present a periodization of his foreign policy priorities. A comparative analysis is conducted on the visit frequencies of Xi Jinping and his predecessor, Hu Jintao, with adjustments for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Xi Jinping's re-election for a third term in 2023, this study provides insights into the nature and priorities of China's foreign policy for his current term and potential developments in the ongoing five-year political cycle. The findings indicate that from 2018 to 2023, Xi Jinping increased his visits to Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, while maintaining a consistent focus on Russia and the United States, akin to the approach under Jiang Zemin. The enduring partnership with Russia, spanning over two decades, corroborates the assertion that Sino-Russian relations are at their strongest in the history of bilateral ties. Data for this study were sourced from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, and materials from the Chinavitae and China Power research projects.

After Stunde Null: Reflections on Germany, Italy and Europe

The Franco-German relationship is considered a measure of the European Union’s overall health. Yet the bilateral ties between Germany and another founding member, Italy, are at least as important. Historical parallels between the two countries have been present since the founding of their modern nation-states. Economic differences have caused deep rifts that influence not just diplomatic relations, but also popular opinion. The rise of right-wing parties in both countries could be considered a new parallel, but upon closer inspection, there are important differences between the Alternative für Deutschland and Fratelli d’Italia. In the aftermath of the EU Parliament elections, it is worth taking a closer look at Germany, Italy, and what their relationship means for the EU.

Opportunities and Challenges of China’s Economic and Political Development Under the Third Term of Xi Leadership: A Viewpoint of Thailand

This article aims to look into Thai-Chinese relations during Xi Jinping’s third term in office, focusing on political and economic dynamics within the framework of geopolitics and geo-economics amidst international tensions, especially between China and the United States. These tensions present both challenges and opportunities to Thailand in its relations with China. Thailand acknowledges security challenges posed by China, particularly in nontraditional security realms such as grey capital (shady business). Despite these challenges, both the Thai government and its populace, including merchants and businessmen, view cooperation with China in positive light. The collaboration between the two nations under various initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ASEAN + 1, GMS, and ACMECS underscores a strategic shift toward prioritizing shared interests and regional cooperation. The historical relationship between Thailand and China, at both governmental and regional levels, remained pivotal in fostering bilateral ties. Additionally, Thailand not sharing borders with China minimizes conflict compared to neighboring ASEAN countries with territorial disputes with China, particularly in the South China Sea. In the context of Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream and Thailand’s strategic choices, actions are taken by the Thai Government to maintain balance between global superpowers, capitalizing on economic opportunities while mitigating security risks. Thailand’s security posture, especially in nontraditional realms, and cooperation across various sectors are expected to deepen in the future, driven by mutual interests within the framework of regional geopolitics and geo-economics.

China-Canada Economic Relations in the Early 21st Century

In Canada's corporate and political communities, it is now commonly acknowledged that China is becoming a global economic superpower. For instance, it is now accepted knowledge that all companies, and even all government agencies, must create a "China Strategy," whether or not they conduct any business with China directly. Since the conclusion of the Cold War, China has assumed a larger role in world geopolitics and gained the attention of the most influential political figures. Canada is a prime example of a selective or specialized power today and looks to have established its steady place in international affairs. In order to assess the position of the modern People's Republic of China (PRC) in Canadian foreign policy, this paper explores Canada-China relations from the most current angle. This study examines several facets of bilateral ties, including human rights and democracy, economics and commerce, the ability of Chinese Canadians to advocate and their impact on Ottawa's PRC policies. An overview of the development of ties between Canada and China is also included in the article.

Deficit of Trust in Pakistan-Afghanistan Bilateral Relations: An Evaluation from a Security and Economic Perspective from 2001 to 2021

At the crossroads of Central and Southern Asia lie two Muslim neighbors i.e., Pakistan and Afghanistan. Similarities in religion, culture, ethnicity, race, and history were predicted to cement the harmonious bilateral connection between the two countries. There have been a lot of obstacles to the development of positive relations between the two republics ever since they were established. Afghanistan's alone neighbor and a key commercial partner, Pakistan and the two countries have a difficult history despite Afghanistan's reliance on Pakistan's seaports and international trade. Tense relations began with the conflicts over the Durand line and Pakhtunistan stunt supported by Afghan government and were exacerbated by subsequent events like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the American involvement in the country after September 11, 2001. A large number of refugees fled to Pakistan as a result of these invasions, shaking up the country's politics and economy. India's involvement in Afghan politics has had a major effect on Pakistan's interests in the country and the surrounding region, especially after September 11th, when the United States attempted to offset Chinese influence in the area. India's engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan's support in the US invasion of Afghanistan are at the root of the current state of bilateral ties. Normalizing bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan may require the involvement of a third party or agreement on confidence-building measures to enhance the welfare of persons living on the other side of the Durand line and encourage amicable interactions between the two countries. Using a qualitative approach, this article investigates the causes and consequences of the current mistrust in bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on economic and security problems in the wake of 9/11.

THE SINO-PAK STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND INDIA'S REGIONAL AIM IN SOUTH ASIA: AN ANALYSIS

In recent years amid 2013-2024, Sino-Pak relations witnessed a qualitative transformation as bilateral ties expanded in strategic perspective. Pakistan has been forced to pursue a strategic collaboration with China in order to preserve the balance of power in South Asia as a result of the dynamic post 9/11 global political changes and expanding strategic partnership between the US and India. Under the auspices of the Indo-US strategic partnership, India is making most of its resources and collaborating with US in a number of areas, including energy, defense and security, so as to fulfill its ambitions of becoming a dominating force in the region and building blue water navy. India regional aspirations are too great for Pakistan to overcome on its own. In order to oppose India's imperial aspirations in South Asian area, the Sino-Pak formed a strategic alliance. This study will pose some queries about most recent iterations of this partnership. In this research, strategic partnership amid two countries is described using a Rational Actor Model. The research goes on to say that Sino-Pak will not be deterred from pursuing the project despite India's assertion that corridor route goes through disputed Northern Pakistani territory.

A Transcultural Interpretation of Key Concepts in China-US Relations: Hegemony, Democracy, Individualism and Collectivism

Abstract China-US bilateral relations suffer from periodical setbacks and transcultural communication has a positive role to play in improving those relations. As the largest two economies in the world today, both China and the United States draw inspiration from different traditions and cultures, rendering it difficult for the two countries to see eye to eye with each other when it comes to the key concepts of hegemony, democracy, individualism, and collectivism. Etymological roots, historical traditions, and national experiences help explain political realities and theoretical frameworks concerning these key concepts. For hegemony, force is emphasized for its role in US dominance or authority while China condemns hegemonism. For democracy, the means of the normative right to vote is highlighted in the US while the ends of people’s needs and welfare are underscored in China. For individualism and collectivism, it is no longer viable to stand aloof and mind just one’s own business, as the world is shrinking into a global village with intertwined destinies. A transcultural interpretation of key concepts in China-US relations can help enhance mutual understanding and facilitate dialogue through exchange and communication, hence contributing to the improvement of bilateral ties.

Climate Diplomacy in Action: India-Sweden Relations

Climate change has put the globe in a state of emergency, with its impact beyond transnational borders. Moreover, the disparity between the Global North and Global South has aggravated extreme weather events and climate-related emergencies in the latter. Sweden, as the largest Nordic country in the European Union, has set a target to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045, while India, emerging as a leader in the Global South, aims to reach this goal by 2070. While imploring the Global North- Global South debate on climate injustice, the study primarily focuses on India and Sweden’s bilateral relationship using climate diplomacy as a strategic tool, delving into mutual agreements, policy frameworks, and innovative strategies implemented by both nations. The objective is to investigate and address the functions of climate diplomacy in enhancing bilateral ties between India and Sweden, thereby expediting the achievement of their respective climate objectives. The study explores and elaborates how India and Sweden have supported joint research and development (R&D) projects, collaborative waste management programs, green finance and industrial partnerships in clean energy infrastructure and seeks to enhance global climate initiatives through diplomatic cooperation in promoting sustainable development. Furthermore, the paper aims to shed light on the significance of diplomatic cooperation in advancing sustainable development and facilitating the Nordic countries' access to the Global South.

The Politics of Land and Belonging in North Pakistan

Pakistan’s mountainous north borders China. Deepening bilateral ties, together with increasing investments from within Pakistan, have amplified local anxiety over loss of control over resources. A complicated history left the area with multiple land tenure systems. Much of this region, today known as Gilgit-Baltistan, is disputed with India. Consequently, it has a constitutionally liminal status and its people do not enjoy equal citizenship rights. With the construction of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, a major part of the global Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese influence has been entangled in local histories and political economies.

Памяти Акилино Мата Миер, почетного президента Ассоциации летчиков-республиканцев (подразделение Катало-ния—Север—Балеарские острова)

On March 15, 2024, Aquilino Mata Mier, honorary president of the Association of Republican Pilots (ADAR, division Cat-alonia-North-Balearic Islands), laureate of the international award of the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation “Faith and Loyalty”, passed away. Events of the Spanish conflict 1936-1939. for many years remained one of the main topics of Russian-Spanish scientific and public dialogue; it was dur-ing the civil war that the closest ties between our countries developed. The memory of the USSR's assistance to the Spanish Republic is still preserved by the Spaniards, and one of the keepers of this memory was Aquilino Mata Mier. It is difficult to overestimate the contribution that, thanks to his energy, enthusiasm, conviction in the significance of the work he is engaged in, Aquilino Mata made to the preservation of historical memory of the events of 1936-1939, as well as to the maintenance of Russian-Spanish scientific interaction and the preservation of bilateral ties in difficult modern conditions.

Role of military cooperation in Vietnam-Russia relations

The primary purpose of this article is the analysis of the evolution of bilateral relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) and the Russian Federation in the field of military cooperation. It gives answers to following research questions: 1) what is the role of defence collaboration in bilateral ties, 2) what are the most essential elements of Russia-Vietnam military relations, 3) what are the common reasons/ incentives for developing links regarding arms trade, 4) do the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 and invasion of Ukraine in 2022 change goals of Vietnamese politics towards Moscow, 5) How do Chinese and US factor affect military cooperation between Russia and Vietnam? The theses of this paper assume that: 1) the government in Hanoi maintains friendly relations with Moscow on the political level in the face of the conflict in Ukraine and continues military cooperation, however Russian arms exports to Vietnam has declined, 2) Vietnam diversifies weapon trade partners expanding cooperation with Israel, Belarus, US and South Korea, but Russia still remains crucial arms importer for Hanoi.
 The analysis is focused mainly on the situation from 2002 to the present, and intends to examine the evolution of military cooperation between Hanoi and Moscow after the signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership. The article includes a short overview of Russia-Vietnam relations emphasizing its strong historical background. Paper is also focused on important arms trade contracts, agreements on military cooperation, includes statistics published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to show the scale of collaboration, and points out major challenges for future cooperation.

China and Türkiye’s Strategic Cooperation in the 21st Century: A ‘Complex Role’ Prism

ABSTRACT China and Türkiye, the two pivotal states with global political, economic, and cultural influence, are located at the two ends of East Asia and West Asia, respectively. They are both rising, non-western, and authoritarian powers. Thus, they should have built a strategic partnership. However, unlike China’s comprehensive strategic partnerships with Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE, the relations between China and Türkiye have been at a low level of strategic cooperation since 2010. To de-mystify the puzzle, this paper integrates agent, relations, and structure, puts forward a ‘complex role’ hypothesis, and argues that China and Türkiye have three layers of bilateral, regional, and global roles, and their role conceptions, expectations, and performances have divergent trajectories. The compatible, competitive, and conflicting roles between Beijing and Ankara constitute both dynamics and restraints of their partnership. The two sides perceive each other as a mix of economic partners, political competitors and security rivals. To foster bilateral relations in the new era, the two Republics should manage their role competition and conflict, and enhance role compatibility in bilateral ties and multi-lateral arenas through inter-institutional convergence and role adaptation.

Enhancing bilateral ties: the escalation of Azerbaijan's economic investments in Turkey

This research explores the strengthening economic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkey, particularly focusing on Azerbaijan's increasing investments in the Turkish economy since the signing of the "Trade and Economic Cooperation" agreement in 1992. It analyzes significant projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines, which transcend mere infrastructural achievements to become strategic assets in the geopolitical landscape. These pipelines facilitate the safe transportation of hydrocarbons from the Caspian basin, bypassing traditional transit routes, and thereby reducing political and economic vulnerabilities. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s substantial investments in Turkey's PETKIM petrochemical complex and the STAR Oil Refinery are examined as strategic steps enhancing the economic depth of both countries. These investments represent more than capital inflows; they symbolize a deep-rooted strategic alliance that promotes energy independence and industrial diversification. The STAR Oil Refinery plays a pivotal role in Turkey's energy supply chain, significantly contributing to its self-sufficiency in processed oil products. This bilateral economic engagement exemplifies how states with complementary resources and strategic visions can create sustainable economic corridors, highlighting the role of economic diplomacy in shaping international relations in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The evolving partnership not only exemplifies successful bilateral cooperation but also indicates strategic foresight in using economic synergies for regional stability and prosperity.

Calling the Shots through Health Diplomacy: China’s World-Wide Distribution of Anti-Covid Vaccines and the International Order

The donation and sale of vaccines are diplomatic tools that have impact well beyond health policies. May Chinese Covid-related vaccine diplomacy be understood beyond reactive terms vis-à-vis power disputes with the West, in particularly the United States? We then scrutinize the drivers of China’s vaccine diplomacy, assessing whether Beijing privileged the expansion of its diplomatic leverage in the Global South. By employing logit and tobit models in the analysis of a cross-sectional dataset covering 213 countries, we examine the probability of countries receiving vaccines from China. We find that low-income states, in particular, and middle-income ones and those with more Covid deaths were more likely to receive vaccines through either donations or purchases. For donations, states that integrate the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and/or oppose the United States at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) were also privileged. China’s vaccine diplomacy has therefore a twofold purpose. First, the expansion of the country’s soft power in the Global South. Second, the consolidation of the BRI bilateral ties and an anti-US allied network. Hence, current global health initiatives cannot be detached from debates on the contestation of the liberal international order (LIO) and China’s dual role as a responsible stakeholder and most successful emerging power that has the potential to challenge American hegemony. Moreover, the findings also suggest that bilateral donor-recipient flows may be less politicized than what prior works on development aid and health diplomacy have claimed.