India China Research Articles

China –India border disputes: an analytical analysis of Doklam standoff to Tawang clash

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the border disputes between China and India, focusing on the period following the 2017 Doklam standoff up to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The objective is to understand the nature of these disputes, the causes of escalating tensions, and the broader implications for regional stability and bilateral relations. This article broadly highlights the Doklam standoff with that of the Tawang clashes between the Indian and Chinese armed forces. Further, this research empirically examines the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a demarcation line that separates both the countries which control territory in the China–India border dispute. As a result, before the start of the Doklam standoff in 2017, China and India had been involved in cementing a bilateral partnership through trade and economy. Since PM Modi came into power in 2014 made a state visit to China and Chinese President Xi Jinping also made a state visit to India. Meanwhile, China and India had started construction in front of the LAC and even China had established a small range of several colonies around border. This has provoked and plunged India into deeper anxiety, on the other hand, New Delhi launched several border management programs.

Trilateral Dynamics of India–China–Nepal: Assessing Geo-strategic Relations in South Asia

The strategic importance of South Asia stems from its natural resources and advantageous location. However, in recent years, China and India’s rivalry in the subcontinent has altered the geo-strategic landscape in the region. Though much had been explored in the trilateral dynamics of India–China–Nepal, comparative analyses to empirically assess the relative strength of the relationships have been overlooked. Hence, the current paper examined the dynamics of these three countries by evaluating their ability to uphold their ties. It looked at India’s neighbourhood first policy with a particular focus on Nepal, and it further examined how China uses the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a springboard to utilise it as a geopolitical manoeuvre to offset India’s hegemony in the area. On the empirical front, the paper examined the pattern of investment from China’s BRI in Nepal and contrasted it with China’s overall investment trends in Nepal. The paper argues that although BRI investment in Nepal is increasing, there is a significant decline in the overall investment from China. In contrast, India’s investment in Nepal had an upward trajectory that surpassed China’s investment volume. The paper discussed potential ways to achieve trilateral relations among these three countries by promoting sustained cooperation.

Book review: Manoj Joshi, (Ed.), India–China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in the Himalayas

Book review: Manoj Joshi, (Ed.), <i>India–China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in the Himalayas</i>

Radiation adaptive response for constant dose-rate irradiation in high background radiation areas

AbstractThe presented paper describes the problem of human health in regions with high level of natural ionizing radiation in various places in the world. The radiation adaptive response biophysical model was presented and calibrated for the special case of constant dose-rate irradiation. The calibration was performed for the data of residents of several high background radiation areas, like Ramsar in Iran, Kerala in India or Yangjiang in China. Studied end-points were: chromosomal aberrations, cancer incidence and cancer mortality. For the case of aberrations, among collected publications about 45% have shown the existence of adaptive response. Average reduction of chromosomal aberrations was ∼ 10%, while for the case of cancer incidence it was ∼ 15% and ∼ 17% for cancer mortality (each taking into account only results showing adaptive response). Results of the other 55% of data regarding chromosomal aberrations have been tested with the LNT (linear no-threshold) hypothesis, but results were inconsistent with the linear model. The conditions for adaptive response occurrence are still unknown, but it is postulated to correlate with the distribution of individual radiosensitivity among members of surveyed populations.

Cry with the Promised Land: singing for nationalist and religious environmentalism amid Burma’s war

ABSTRACT As the planet’s ecological crisis deepens, what can music reveal about the shapes that environmentalism is taking across the world? This article shows that music is a sensory pathway into notions of nature and of saving nature in repressed and marginalised places. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork since 2010 in the war-torn Burma–China–India borderlands, I explore a dissident rock band’s pioneering environmentalist song. The song’s Kachin Jinghpaw language lyrics talk of ecological destruction through a worldwide trope—‘nature is crying’—but express more specifically a nationalist and religious environmentalism. The song calls on Christian Kachin people to rescue a God-given national homeland, amid the broader album’s call for ethnonational resistance against a ‘colonising’ military regime in Burma (Myanmar). I explore the song’s lyrics and karaoke music video—line-by-line and scene-by-scene—as a way to sense both the logic and feeling of environmentalism emerging amid war.

Navigating US–China Rivalry in a Multi-aligned Middle East: Understanding India’s Shifting Strategy Towards the Region

Indian economic and strategic involvement in the Middle East has seen a transformation over the past two decades. This development has happened as many observers remark a gradual decline of US influence juxtaposed with China’s growing presence in the region. This article aims to assess how India has managed its bilateral relations with China within this region of increasing economic and strategic interest. Despite a growing literature on the China-India rivalry in Southeast Asia, South Asia or Central Asia, there is a notable dearth of scholarship on the China–India rivalry and its implications in the Middle East. Filling this gap, this article focuses on explaining how India has adapted its policies towards China’s rising influence in Middle Eastern politics. The core argument is that India’s strategy has been shaped by both a perception of declining US’ engagement in the Middle East and by opportunities created by new strategic hedging strategies from key regional players such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran. The article determines that India moved over the last decade from a strategy of buck-passing on US’ security provision to one of partial soft balancing of China’s strategic presence in the Middle East. However, the article also notes the limitations of standard theories of balance-of-power and strategic hedging to account for India’s multifaceted approach towards a regional order in flux.

Hydro-Political Dynamics Between China–India–Pakistan: Dams and Transboundary River Governance Amidst Geopolitical Contestations

Transboundary rivers raise critical concerns for state security amidst contemporary ecological strain and regional geopolitics in South Asia. The challenge of ‘water security’ is underscored by the substantial reliance on transboundary rivers, compounded by the multifaceted impacts of climate change and the simmering geopolitical tensions among riparian nations, especially in the complex dynamics between India–China and India–Pakistan. This study endeavours to illuminate distinctive characteristics of the South Asian transboundary governance framework, wherein rivers are subjected to intensive damming aimed at (a) harnessing hydroelectric potential and (b) leveraging water resources as geopolitical bargaining chips, thereby exerting pressure; however, order is not specified, particularly. In this intricate milieu, international conventions often fail to reconcile internal contradictions inherent within the transboundary governance paradigm. Consequently, transboundary water resources have metamorphosed into an extension of geopolitical realities, embodying intricate interplay between hydrology, geopolitics and state security within the region, especially between China, India and Pakistan.

Author Meets Critics: Buy Now: How Amazon Branded Convenience and Normalized Monopoly

Abstract: In this book discussion, a panel of advertising, communication, and media studies scholars meet with Emily West to discuss her 2022 book Buy Now: How Amazon Branded Convenience and Normalized Monopoly (MIT Press). The conversation unpacks key concepts from the book, such as platform capitalism, affective branding, and distribution fetishism, which examine how Amazon's unique approach to scaling its business and normalizing surveillance has made it a dominant global entity. West emphasizes Amazon's focus on service and relational marketing, contrasting it with aspirational brands like Nike or Coca-Cola. The group focuses on the book's exploration of the "served self," a consumer subjectivity shaped by convenience-driven platforms, and how Amazon's practices reduce consumer decision-making power. They also explore Amazon's global expansion strategy, noting its success in India and failure in China, and its influence on retail markets worldwide. The talk also touches on Amazon's branding and advertising strategy, particularly its use of algorithms to control product visibility, and its expanding role in digital advertising, such as displaying ads on Echo Show devices. The participants reflect on how West's book can be used in teaching to help students understand corporate monopolies, platform power, and consumer culture in the digital age.

The 4.2 ka event: A review of palaeoclimate literature and directions for future research

In recent years, much evidence has been presented on the 4.2 ka event. A review of 317 palaeoclimate papers shows that dry conditions were common during the event, especially from Eastern Mediterranean to India. The 4.2 ka event was not, however, a global drought event. Wet conditions were reported especially for central/northern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The 4.2 ka event is typically characterized either as short (4.2–4.0 ka) or long (4.4–3.8 ka) episode, possibly developing over an extended interval of time, in keeping with the North Atlantic forcing and correlating with the Bond 3 event of ice-rafted debris. This forcing is understood to drive a southward migration of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), resulting in decreased rainfall over most of the Asian monsoon region, with possibility that an interplay of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has modulated the global circulation. Cold conditions were also reported but less frequently, in comparison to other Bond events such as the 8.2 ka event, Dark Ages Cold Period and Little Ice Age. Some high-resolution records show a double peak structure of which two anomalies are tree-ring dated to 4.14–4.05 ka and 3.97 ka. Accurately and precisely dated high-resolution records indicative of various climatic variables, especially outside of the traditional study region (Mediterranean–Middle East–India–China), including reconstructions of the ENSO and NAO histories and ITCZ migrations, are crucially needed for rigorous examination of the global scale characteristics of the 4.2 ka event and its forcings. Such research seems to be just beginning.

From Asymmetric Strategic Rivalry to Strategic Bargaining and Cooperation: Is There a Case for India–China Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?

India and China both have a long history of engagement based on their asymmetric power capabilities, differences in threat perceptions and international status. Given these three aspects of asymmetry, this article argues that China and India must focus on cooperation that can come through bargaining and compromises and promote peace and stability in the region. The article argues that by cooperating with each other they can develop a strong alternative to the existing Western liberal order, in the particular context of the Indo-Pacific.

Cancer Registry in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities

The Cancer Registry is a database created for collecting, managing, and storing information about people with cancer. Collaborative research, preventive, and treatment initiatives benefit nations with cancer registries. Several Asian countries have recently made their cancer registries. It is done by a designated Organization, such as the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) in India and National Cancer Registry (CNCR) in China. Both countries decentralized their programs in different parts of their country. Bangladesh’s National Cancer Registry has not yet been established due to a lack of government policy, fund allocation, trained manpower, workforce, awareness, and readiness among health professionals.

Strategic triangle ‘Russia — India — China’: Structure and problems of interaction

A contemporary world order is based on an increasingly complex system of interstate relations, which implies the need to thoroughly consider the international context, even when analyzing bilateral interactions. From this point of view, the concept of a ‘strategic triangle’, developed during the Cold War and applied primarily to analyze the dynamics of relationships between the USSR, the USA and the PRC, appears to have significant epistemological potential. In current conditions, it is of particular interest to use this concept to study the logic of relations in the ‘Russia–India–China’ (RIC) triangle. This research pursues two interrelated goals. On the one hand, it is aimed at identifying specific features of this new ‘strategic triangle’, its inner structure and logic of interactions between its participants. On the other hand, it assesses the applicability of the theoretical models developed during the Cold War to the relations within the framework of the RIC strategic triangle. The author examines the history, general dynamics and contemporary features of interaction within each pair of bilateral relations in this ‘triangle’. The research has confirmed the hypothesis that the relations between Russia, India, and China, indeed, form a specific subsystem of international relations, which can be described as a ‘strategic triangle’. At the same time, unlike the Sino-American-Soviet ‘strategic triangle’, it is the logic of cooperation, rather than rivalry, which generally prevails within the framework of the RIC.However, the RIC ‘triangle’ can also be described as an inherently inconsistent system. While China and Russia maintain close strategic cooperation in almost all areas, in the case of India and Russia, economic cooperation does not match the achieved level of political contacts, and Sino-Indian relations, despite the generally positive dynamics during the recent years, remain at a low level. All this points to the need to develop a new theoretical and methodological framework for analyzing trilateral relations between Russia, India and China as a special subsystem of the contemporary world politics, one that will be free from Cold War stereotypes.

Disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infection associated with haemophagocytic syndrome in an HIV-negative patient in northern China: a case report

BackgroundTalaromyces marneffei is endemic to eastern India, Southeast Asia, and Guangdong and Guangxi provinces in China. It is common in immunocompromised individuals, especially in HIV-infected patients.Case presentationA 66-year-old male who had a history of hypertension and resided in Shandong Province (Northern China) was admitted for recurrent fever for one month. The patient had recurrent fever, multiple lymphadenopathies, hepatosplenomegaly, a back rash, and a progressive decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Talaromyces marneffei was isolated from peripheral blood and bone marrow after admission, and suspected fungal cells were found via lymph node pathology. The patient’s infection secondary to haemophagocytic syndrome continued to worsen despite antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and symptomatic treatment, leading to death due to multiple-organ failure.ConclusionAlthough rare, infection due to Talaromyces marneffei in HIV-negative patients has been increasing in recent years, and we should be vigilant about “new” infections in nonendemic areas.

Transparency laws, corruption and the quality of government: comparing India and China

ABSTRACT Transparency laws, such as the Right to Information (RTI) in India and Open Government Information (OGI) in China, seek to confront corruption. They have been able to expand people’s space against corruption and other abuses of power, thus demanding accountability from the powerholders. Instead of particular regimes like democratic or authoritarian, we employ the Quality of Government (QoG) as a context to understand corruption control in India and China. Yet, due to various socio-political limitations, QoG remains inadequate in India; and uneven in China: these cripple the promises of transparency laws. Hence, it is necessary that India prioritizes human development, which shall require better QoG and China addresses its weaker areas in QoG.

Technological Innovations In Border Surveillance: A look into India's China strategy

Technological Innovations In Border Surveillance: A look into India's China strategy

Authenticity During Conflict Reporting: The China–India Border Clash in the Indian Press

The India–China border clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, the first deadly skirmish between the two Asian giants in the Himalayan border area in over four decades, highlighted the need to examine the notion of ‘authenticity’ in journalistic practices. Information from such remotely located, sparsely populated and not well-demarcated international land borders has limited sources, restricted to official sources with their narrative. Geopolitical goals and ambitions embolden narratives of nationalism in the media, and these often challenge the notion and understanding of authenticity in journalism. The Indian press, contrary to the state-owned Chinese press, is diverse and confrontational, where narratives of nationalism are differentially interpreted, embedded and realised. This article examines how authenticity has become a variable, rather than a constant, in conflict reporting of the Sino-Indian border clash and how authenticity is interpreted similarly or differently in conflict journalism. The article reports qualitative textual analysis of two leading English-language newspapers: The Times of India and The Hindu and two mainstream regional-language newspapers: Amar Ujala (Hindi) and Anandabazar Patrika (Bengali), to evaluate how representations of information function in conflict reporting and recontextualise (and thus change or modify the meaning of) that which they represent, and with what political and cultural implications.

The Impact of Confucianism and Hinduism on China–India Economic Relations

The research focuses on the impact of culture on the economic relations of China and India as it is reflected in economic activities mainly in Beijing, Shanghai and New Delhi, Gurugram (Haryana) where the author conducted interviews. This cultural analysis of the Chinese and Indian economy mainly focuses on Confucianism and Hinduism as imperatives in economic choices. This research is based on qualitative analysis and the use of the interdisciplinary theory of Psycho-Culturology. It is based on the inductive method. It argues that China attaches importance to economic development and believes that economic development can promote peace. For China, developing the economy remains at the centre of its foreign policies. Characteristics such as cultural confidence and independent pursuit have essential roles reflected in India’s national behaviour. These differences have also been known to cause misperceptions and hinder the economic relations between the two countries.

Modern-day MSR and BRI: challenges and opportunities for Bangladesh’s maritime infrastructure development

ABSTRACT Bangladesh was one of the six BRI corridors until it was recently included in the proposed Bangladesh–China–India–Myanmar route (BCIM). China plans to invest $4 trillion in the coming decades on OBOR-related projects and asserts that BRI & Maritime Silk Route (MSR) are merely economic initiatives. It entails China’s involvement with the nations situated along the MSR in order to improve sea trade connections with its MSR partners via the development of their marine infrastructure and the establishment of economic-industrial zones in their hinterlands. If its policies are well-coordinated, Bangladesh has the ability to attract a significant amount of this investment. This paper consists of three parts: the first part discusses how the OBOR has become one of the most important trade routes in the world and has the potential to change the social, cultural and economic scenario of the Eurasian region and the world; the second part explains how the BRI and the twenty-first-century maritime silk route converge at the coast of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal, thereby enhancing her geo-political significance; Third part elaborates the growing status of Bangladesh being apex country of the bay and what are the prospects and challenges she has.

India’s Military Modernisation in the Shadow of the China Threat

The violent Galwan clashes of 2020 have changed the trajectory of India–China relations. It has also compelled the Indian government and policy makers to undertake major and long-term changes to push for military modernisation. The need for a modernised, leaner, and younger military is quite eminent and the Galwan clashes have further underscored this issue. Given this backdrop, the article looks at the various changes, which the current Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken to achieve this goal. It also argues that the government is aware that these changes will need time and resources while acknowledging that the Indian side cannot continue to be reactive. India under the current leadership appears to be a very different nation than the Chinese are used to.

BRICS, World Bank and IMF Quest to Promote Economic Development of Countries

The term “BRICS” represents a group of five emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India China and South Africa, which started in 2009. These economies have caught the attention of literally everyone--international financial law practitioners, political scientists, countries, international organizations and other stakeholders. The emergency of a unified geopolitical bloc, started to reframe international financial outlook with a new set of new ideas and values. include reforming the global financial and economic architecture, strengthening the principles and standards of international law in many sectors of their economies. The paper highlights prospects and challenges that lie ahead of BRICS countries to fully realize their mandate and to co-exist with the World bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and IMF have supported economic development of countries since their inception, I however do not see any harm posed by the introduction of more capital from BRICS, it should be received with both hands. There are looming prospects for expansion of BRICS, countries like Argentina, UAE, Mexico, Algeria and Saudi Arabia have indicated their desire to jump on BRICS bandwagon, the current Russian-Ukraine war remains a big challenge, not least that it has threatened to suck in all BRICS members into this war. The paper finds that as global dynamic challenges continue to mutate, nothing should preclude countries from working together to find lasting solutions to their common challenges. Some BRICs Nations are also beleaguered with high levels of corruption in public offices, they will need to seriously address this challenge, if they are to offer a robust development agenda for emerging markets to supplant the Bretton Wood Institutions. This paper was written, guided by three specific objectives: (i) Examine the rationale for launching the BRICS development initiatives and potential conflict with the World Bank and IMF. (ii) Discuss the mandate of the World Bank and IMF in fostering economic development especially developing countries. (iii) Explore potential areas of conflict between the Bretton Wood Institutions and BRICS to co-exist in their varied development mandates towards member countries. The paper has established that while nothing precludes BRICS offering alternative funding mechanisms to their members, they will need time to fully realize their objectives. Establishment of the BRICS signifies that its high time the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have adopted desired reforms, if they are to remain influential today.