Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ (2018) and China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus (2017).

Recently, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said that India-China relations are entering a “phase of recovery” and called their relationship “one of the most important” in the world. He also mentioned that recent talks between Special Representatives (SR) and discussions under the ‘Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister’ mechanism helped both countries reach common ground on the border issue and opened the door to improving their ties.

Today’s editorial discusses China’s main decision-making bodies and its policies toward India. This content is useful for GS Paper 2 under International Relations.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

On Monday, January 27, 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Beijing, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He is also scheduled to meet his counterpart.

Which are the two main decision-making bodies with respect to China’s foreign policy? 

• Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC): The highest decision-making body in China, which sets the overall direction for both domestic and foreign policies. Example: Xi Jinping, as General Secretary of the CPC and head of the PBSC, plays a central role in shaping China’s stance on key issues like the U.S.-China rivalry and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC): Manages policy coordination, inter-departmental communication, and foreign policy execution, with Xi Jinping as the head and Li Qiang as deputy. Example: The FAC oversees China’s border negotiations with India and guides its diplomatic strategy in multilateral forums like BRICS and SCO.

What is the role of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC)?

• Party-to-Party Diplomacy: Facilitates direct engagement between the CPC and political parties across the ideological spectrum in over 150 countries. Example: The IDCPC hosts delegations from major Indian political parties to strengthen ties beyond official state-level diplomacy.
• Influencing Global Perception: Aims to enhance the CPC’s international legitimacy by building relationships and promoting China’s political model globally. Example: The IDCPC engages with political elites in Africa and Southeast Asia to align their policies with China’s strategic interests.
• Policy Research and Intelligence Gathering: Conducts political research on foreign countries to inform CPC leadership and guide China’s diplomatic strategy. Example: The “South and Southeast Asian Affairs” bureau analyzes political trends in India to shape China’s regional engagement policies.

Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs been increasing in stature in China?

• Greater Policy Coordination with the CPC: The MFA now works more closely with the CPC’s Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC), which oversees foreign policy decisions. Example: Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, also serves as the head of the Office of the FAC, reflecting the MFA’s growing role in executing party-led foreign policy.
• Expanded Global Diplomatic Presence: China has increased its diplomatic footprint by opening new embassies and consulates worldwide, with MFA officials leading key initiatives. Example: The MFA has played a crucial role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through global negotiations and partnerships.
• Active Role in Multilateral Forums: The MFA has taken a more assertive position in international organizations to shape global norms and policies. Example: China’s active participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council and WTO reflects the MFA’s rising influence in global governance.
• Diplomatic Visibility of Key Officials: High-ranking MFA officials now engage more directly with global leaders and the media to articulate China’s foreign policy. Example: Wang Yi’s prominent role in mediating the Saudi-Iran peace deal (2023) highlighted the MFA’s expanding diplomatic authority.
• Increased Role in Crisis Management: The MFA is increasingly tasked with managing international crises and shaping China’s narrative during global conflicts. Example: The MFA led China’s diplomatic response during the U.S.-China trade war, organizing global outreach to counteract U.S. policies.

What is the policy for India?

• Managing Border Disputes While Maintaining Dialogue: China aims to manage tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while keeping communication channels open through diplomatic and military talks. Example: Since the Galwan Valley clash (2020), both countries have held corps commander-level talks to de-escalate border tensions, although some areas remain contentious.
• Economic Cooperation with Strategic Caution: While promoting trade relations, China remains cautious about India’s growing economic nationalism and supply chain diversification. Example: Despite border tensions, China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $136 billion in 2022, though India has increased scrutiny on Chinese investments.
• Countering India’s Regional and Global Influence: China seeks to limit India’s influence in South Asia and multilateral forums while opposing India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Example: China has increased investments in India’s neighbors through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly in Pakistan (CPEC) and Sri Lanka (Colombo Port City).
• Balancing Competition with Cooperation in Multilateral Platforms: China engages with India through organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) while countering India’s role in the Quad alliance. Example: Both nations cooperate in BRICS development projects but differ on strategic matters like Indo-Pacific security, where China opposes the Quad’s expansion.
• Diplomatic Outreach through Party-to-Party Engagement: The International Liaison Department (IDCPC) of the CPC engages with India’s political parties to strengthen ties and understand domestic political dynamics. Example: China has hosted delegations from major Indian political parties to foster people-to-people diplomacy and influence policy perspectives.

Way forward: 

• Sustained Diplomatic Engagement: Prioritize regular high-level dialogues to resolve border disputes and foster mutual trust while maintaining strategic clarity on core interests.
• Strategic Autonomy with Regional Cooperation: Strengthen regional partnerships through forums like Quad and ASEAN, while maintaining an independent foreign policy to balance China’s influence.

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