Evaluate China's Rise As A Selective Revisionist Power And Examine How Its Normative Agenda Poses A Challenge To India's Democratic And Strategic Interests. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Q. Evaluate China’s rise as a selective revisionist power and examine how its normative agenda poses a challenge to India’s democratic and strategic interests. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

June 23, 2026

GS Paper IIInternational Relations

Core Demand of the Question

Characteristics of China as a selective revisionist power
Challenges to India
Way Forward

Answer

Introduction

China’s rise represents a sophisticated form of selective revisionism as it actively engages with international institutions while reshaping the normative framework of global governance.China works within old multilateral bodies such as the UN and WTO, but also promotes China-led institutions like the AIIB and SCO to shift global influence towards itself. It systematically redefines the principles of democracy, human rights, and sovereignty to align with its authoritarian model.

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China as a Selective Revisionist Power

Institutional engagement without revolution : China participates in, and funds, major global institutions while creating parallel platforms.
Eg: Increased UN budget contribution from <1% in 2000 to over 20% in 2025, along with creation of AIIB and New Development Bank.
Operational selective adherence : China enforces sovereignty norms selectively and rejects legal rulings contrary to its interests.
Eg: 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on South China Sea declared “null and void” by Beijing.
Expansion of influence through multilateral platforms : China uses platforms like BRI and SCO to project authority and align regional norms with its strategic interests, without openly dismantling existing institutions.

Challenges to India

Redefinition of democracy and human rights : Legitimacy is measured by material delivery rather than political participation or accountability.
Eg: The Global Security Initiative (GSI) weaponizes the concept of ‘indivisible security’ to delegitimize Western security partnerships (e.g., the Quad), directly aiming to isolate India from its plurilateral Indo-Pacific arrangements.
Civilisational and governance reinterpretation : Promotes culturally contingent values to shield authoritarian governance from scrutiny.
Eg: Global Civilization Initiative frames human rights as context-dependent rather than universal.
Strategic reinterpretation of sovereignty : Beijing selectively supports sovereignty to serve its interests, weakening liberal international norms.
Eg: Its stance on Ukraine and regional security initiatives allows China to redefine sovereign equality selectively.
Strategic implications for India : Challenges India’s democratic model and sovereignty in regional disputes.
Eg: Border standoffs with India and Bhutan, coupled with influence via Belt and Road Initiative.

Way Forward

Strategic partnerships: Strengthen strategic partnerships with like-minded democracies to counter normative influence.
Strategic partnerships: Deepen multilateral engagement to safeguard liberal norms in regional and global institutions.
Investment : Invest in digital, economic, and military capabilities to secure strategic autonomy.
Connectivity: Enhance regional connectivity and influence to reduce dependency on China-driven initiatives.

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Conclusion

China’s rise as a selective revisionist power poses both normative and strategic challenges. India must combine institutional engagement, capability enhancement, and normative assertion to protect democratic values and secure its strategic interests.

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