Session 5.1
Evolving Power Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific
Chair: Dr Amrita Jash
Dr Sankalp Gurjar
Abstract Forthcoming
Great Power Relations in the Indo-Pacific
Dr Praveen Kumar
China's Politics of Expansionism: An Inquiry from India's Perspective
Issues related to China, including its expansionist designs, have remained popular topics of study and research in international politics to be eclipsed, only temporarily, by the recent Russian aggression against Ukraine. China’s economic rise since reforms that were initiated under Deng Xiaoping in December 1978 was considered to be a force behind China’s renewed assertive approach towards its neighbours, and other regional powers also. Purported economic and territorial expansionism of China is being understood as remnants of its medieval mindset, and collective psyche like Hua-Yi dichotomy, among others. However, an objective analysis of the issue grounded in a sound theory still appears to be missing from the debate. The paper intends to explore the issue from Indian perspective by applying Mandala Theory in order to answer, among others, the questions like if expansionism is a historical fact in China’s case? While explaining the same, the paper also addresses the issue of likely implications for the Asian region and possible responses to a likely emergent scenario.
Dr Rojer C. Liu
Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Framework: What is the Role to Play?
The next most likely flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan has been at the center of attention of the world and among the four QUAD members. In fact, the anticipation of China's military adventurism toward Taiwan has reinforced the cohesion of QUAD by providing a strong consideration of security to bring all QUAD members together. How can Taiwan and its security concerns be better weaved into the narratives and practices of QUAD can definitely enhance the functions and strategic scopes of QUAD, as the island nation and its technological innovation, business vigor, and the willingness to contribute and participate in multilateral mechanisms like QUAD can at the same time provide a boost in QUAD-related mini-lateral arrangements such as RSCI and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The current Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) created by Japan and the US can serve as the bridging mechanism and a good start for the future multilateral cooperation between Taiwan and the QUAD members.
Dr. Jayshree Borah
China’s Relations with Island Nations in the Indo-Pacific: Changing Security, Economic and Diplomatic Rationale
Smaller island countries in the Indo-Pacific region stretching from western Indian ocean, South Pacific, and in China’s neighborhood have gained strategic significance amidst rising multiplex and multi-polar geo-political and geo-economic competition in the region. Therefore, geo-political and geo-economic significance of these islands have become one of the central features of China’s strategy in the region. Apart from geo-economic reasons, small islands remain crucial for power projection by powers in the region. China has attempted to cultivate these nations in its efforts to project its power beyond its own shores. For China, small Island nations are also significant for diplomatic reasons since many of these small islands had diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and hence, China has attempted to bring these nations closer through economic and diplomatic means. This paper attempts to map out the rationale and changes in China’s strategy towards small islands in the region through official and academic debates among Chinese strategic community.