Answer: 

Introduction:

China’s rapid rise as an economic and military superpower has significant implications for India, its neighbor. China has been using its economic relations and trade surplus as a tool to enhance its military power in Asia, as seen through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Body:

• Impact of China’s rise on India:
  • Direct Military Threat: China’s military expansion and aggressive stance on border disputes pose a direct threat to India’s security. Doklam standoff is a prime example of China’s military assertiveness towards India.
  • Multilateral Forums: China’s increasing influence in multilateral forums such as the UNSC and AIIB may hinder India’s interests by allowing China to advance its own agenda and gain support for its policies. This could result in limited backing for India’s initiatives, undermining its strategic goals and reducing its ability to shape decisions in these important global platforms.
  • Economic Cooperation with Pakistan: China’s strengthening economic cooperation with Pakistan via projects like CPEC could be perceived as a strategy to limit India’s influence in the region. By bolstering Pakistan’s infrastructure and connectivity, China may aim to enhance its own geopolitical leverage and potentially diminish India’s regional standing.
  • South Asian Countries: China’s infrastructure development projects in South Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh have weakened India’s position in the region and allowed China to expand its influence.
  • Economic Influence: China’s economic dominance in Asia allows it to spread its influence in the region, which could be used to India’s detriment. China’s trade surplus with India and other Asian countries gives it the financial resources to further its military and economic expansion.

Conclusion:

China’s rapid rise as an economic and military powerhouse poses significant challenges for India as its neighbor. China’s aggressive policies, military buildup, and infrastructure development activities along the border regions have created a security threat to India.