Analysing visit by Pelosi to Taiwan – part – III

US-China stand-off over Taiwan – Role India is destined to play

Since the time Narendra Modi assumed the charge of Prime Ministership of India in 2014, he has consciously made efforts to project India’s image in the world as an upcoming world power that wants to leave her imprint on the happenings in the international arena. Actually, the beginning to assert India’s place in the international arena was made by the late Narsimha Rao, the Congress Prime Minister who is credited with the initiation of broad-based economic reforms in India which ensured fast-paced economic development of the Indian economy.

Along with reforms in the economic field, Rao also led a pathbreaking departure from the foreign policy being pursued by India, particularly with respect to relations with Israel. For the first time since the time of the first Prime Minister of India, late Jawaharlal Nehru, Rao not only initiated contact with Israel but established full diplomatic relations with the country. Earlier, fearing that such a move on the part of India may annoy the Arab World on whom the country was dependent for crude oil, earlier Prime Ministers did not dare to develop diplomatic relations with Israel. Narendra Modi has taken the relations with Israel to the next stage, realising its importance to the country and at the same time developing cordial relations with the Arab World.

The analogy between China-Taiwan & China-Tibet situation

US-China stand-off on the issue of Taiwan after the visit of Nancy Pelosi has acquired significance for India also, considering on one hand, her flourishing trade relations with Taiwan, as also an analogy between the China-Taiwan situation & the China-Tibet situation in the past which had forced the Dalai Lama to take refuge in India with his people.

Tibet had never been under Chinese rule except for a short period & was ruled by the Dalai Lama, the God-King. Claiming that Tibet had always been under Chinese control, Communist China under the leadership of Mao Zedong usurped Tibet forcing the Dalai Lama to take refuge in India.

In the case of Taiwan, it is well known that the Republic of Taiwan is a Democracy that is not recognised by China & which under its One China Principle claims Taiwan to be a part of Mainland China with the declared aim to take it over some time.

One China Policy

Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan and her assertion that the US is firmly behind the Democratic Republic of Taiwan has resurrected the issue and angered Communist China’s leadership. The flip-flop over the visit of Pelosi to Taiwan in the US indicates the rethinking in the Biden Administration over the issue. Following Pelosi’s visit, China has been threatening to take over Taiwan forcibly, reminding at the same time the US of her acceptance of the One China Principle.

India had also accepted the One China Principle of China in the past. However, India too had refused to reaffirm the One China-Policy in 2010, after Chinese premier Wen Jiabao visited India. India was miffed after China issued stapled visas instead of normal visas for residents of Arunachal Pradesh & Jammu and Kashmir travelling to China.

It is noteworthy that both, Peoples’ Republic of China & the Democratic Republic of Taiwan have their own interpretation of the One China Principle. Both countries claim that they only represent China.

India’s Options

Where does this leave India in the situation? Taking into consideration the analogy between the China-Taiwan & China-Tibet case, as also the peculiar geopolitical situation in the Indian sub-continent and the greater role expected of India, what position India should take in the emerging situation between Democratic United States & Communist China.

Reference here must be made to the Quad, of which India is one of the important members. Overtly, the motive behind the Quad is, to keep the strategic sea routes in the Indo-Pacific, free of any military or political influence. The core objective of the Quad is, to secure a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system. It is basically seen as a strategic grouping, aimed at reducing Chinese domination, countering China’s economic and military rise. Naturally, China’s aggressiveness and coercive nature in the strategic Indo-Pacific region is said to be a frequent topic of discussion among the Quad nations.

As a member of the Quad, in the event of rise in the Chinese hostilities on its borders, India can take the support of the other Quad nations to counter it. In addition, India can even take the help of its naval front and conduct strategic explorations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad has the potential to effectively counter the rising Chinese arrogance in the South China Sea & the Indian Ocean Region. Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan & the role of India has therefore to be looked at in the broader perspective of strengthening the democratic movements in the world, at the same time setting right the wrongs imposed by China on an independent & peaceful country like Tibet.

Tibet during the British rule acted as a buffer between India & China, effectively cushioning & safeguarding India against any onslaught by China. China has already grabbed Aksai Chin & claims Arunachal Pradesh as belonging to China. A firm position taken by the democratic countries including India, in case of Taiwan can weaken the Chinese position & prove to be a ray of hope for countries like Tibet who have suffered heavily & are still suffering under the Chinese domination.

India which has emerged as one of the world leaders under the strong & visionary leadership of Narendra Modi has to play a role decided for her by destiny. A success in this endeavour has the potential of resolving the other contentious issues facing India on her border.

Analysing visit by Pelosi to Taiwan (Part-I)

Analysing visit by Pelosi to Taiwan (Part – II)

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