Modi and Putin Explore New Convergences Amid Great Power Competition

With the world order going through a massive reset, President Putin’s visit to India for the annual Indo-Russian summit grabbed more attention. With Sino-Russian éntente and burgeoning Indo-US ties becoming the defining paradigms of a new world order, speculated wrinkles in the Indo-Russian ties assumed great strategic consequence.

The 20- year long uninterrupted tradition of Indo-Russia annual summit suffered a break last year due to Covid-19. Putin’s short working visit to India, his second overseas trip since the pandemic, is thus doubly significant; his first overseas visit being a meeting with the President Biden at Geneva in June of this year.

India and Russia entered into a Strategic Partnership in 2000 and unveiled the tradition of conducting annual summit. In 2010 the relationship was elevated into a special and privileged strategic partnership. The following year both the countries established India Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) to foster trade, scientific, economic, technological and cultural cooperation. This year marks the golden jubilee of the Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty. Buttressing this partnership, both countries have inaugurated 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue that began in Delhi on Dec 6th.

Strengthening the defence cooperation, the cornerstone of Indo-Russian relations, the ministerial dialogue renewed the technical and military cooperation for 10 years i.e., till 2031 and agreed to produce six lakh AK-203 assault rifles through Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRPL), Amethi¹. Building on this strategic cooperation, the 21^st Indo-Russian summit themed on Partnership for Peace, Progress and Prosperity headed by Prime Minister Modi and President Putin expressed satisfaction over timely assistance during the covid and specifically with respect “Sputnik-V cooperation”.

As against the speculations of an interruption in the annual summit in 2020 causing a strain in the ties, Modi and Putin held six telephonic conversations since the last summit. Putin virtually participated in the open-debate on Enhancing Maritime Security- A case for International Cooperation led by India as the President of UNSC.

Strategic reasons aside, the purchase of $5.4 billion S-400 air defence missile systems from Russia and the consequent threat of Washington’s CAATSA (Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) made it imperative for both countries to redefine and re-energise the ties. Notwithstanding America’s CAATSA threat, India resolutely pursued S-400 acquisition to defend its borders from China’s salami slicing.

Days ahead of Putin’s visit an American delegation reminded India of plausible CAATSA sanctions. America attempted to dissuade India from purchasing S-400, laying a bait of offering an advance missile defence system and citing problems in interoperability. But India remained steadfast. Though the US is miffed, a strong India is the best interest of America. In response to increased confrontations with China, America intensified ties with India to counter a rising China. America will be shooting itself in foot if it sanctions India. Despite itself, Washington is debating its future course of action.

Against these odds, at the annual summit, besides reviewing all the fields of cooperation, leaders underscored the need for putting the bilateral trade on a positive trajectory. Though both sides believed that trade doesn’t reflect the potential of the partnership, they decided to initiate negotiations on India-Eurasian Economic Union and resolved to intensify efforts to achieve a bilateral trade target of $30 billion by 2025. The volume of India-Russia bilateral trade is paltry $10 billion as opposed to India’s $100 billion trade with the US and China. One of the main pillars of Indo-US relations is trade and services. It is thus imperative that both India and Russia intensify efforts in advancing bilateral trade.

Accordingly, countries have agreed to streamline and fast-track clearances, eliminate trade barriers, finalise negotiations on bilateral investment treaty, promote mutual settlement of payments in national currencies, strengthen trade in pharma and expand cooperation in energy cooperation. India invited Russia to participate in 13 key sectors of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative².

Defence cooperation has been and continue to be the main stay of India-Russia bilateral ties. Close to 60% of India defence inventory traces its origins to Russia. Besides, India and Russia enjoy a special defence cooperation pivoted on collaboration, co-development and co-production. Supplemented with technology transfer, India and Russia are unlikely to replicate such iconic cooperation with other countries. But the share of India purchases shrank from 70 to 49 percent between 2011 and 2015 and between 2016 and 2020³. As India seeks to indigenize and diversify defence acquisitions, both the countries recognized the need to ramp up cooperation in other areas as well to cement the ties.

Consequently, in an attempt to renew and reinvigorate bilateral ties, both the countries have signed a whopping 28 agreements in all with a focus on providing much needed impetus to economic cooperation⁴. Additionally, countries mulled on exploring the need for agreement on reciprocal logistic support for armed forces.

Unlike with other countries, India and former Soviet Union both with allegiance to socialism, traditionally favoured government to government agreements. This limited the scope of cooperation to realm of government entities even as private sector began to slowly dominate especially in India.  For a more wide-ranging collaboration now, in a departure from the past countries have now recognized need for collaboration between governments and private sector organisations with new areas avenues for joint development now being added to the list. These included-digital technologies, information protection, security of crucial infrastructure and law enforcement.

Expressing satisfaction over the rapid stride of cooperation achieved through BRICS, SCO, RIC, G20, they underscored the need for introduction of new reforms in UNSC and in particular pushed for implementation of resolutions to counter terrorism and extremism.

West’s economic sanction post Crimean annexation in 2014, has propelled Russia to cozy up to Beijing. Anti-west sentiments cemented Sino-Russian relations to the extent of the ties turning into an axis. Further, the bitter confrontations between US and China and China’s unremitting encirclement of India and incursions across the border has strengthened the strategic ties between India and US. As a result, India and Russia are now finding themselves in opposite tents.

Amid the stratification of alignments, Russia rejoiced the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and initially supported the Taliban along with China and Pakistan. While countries evacuated diplomats and shut down their embassies, Pakistan, China and Russia operated theirs. Much to the detriment of Russia’s position on Taliban takeover, the devastating effects of the burgeoning extremism, terrorist attacks began to erode the peace and stability of the Central Asian Region. The Stans which share large unpoliced border started feeling the tremors of an unstable and financially bankrupt Afghanistan. Rise of radicalism, targeted attacks on minorities and other ethnic groups, mass exodus of refugees and surge in drug trafficking began to destabilise the region.

Russia which found itself on same page with India has encouraged New Delhi to organize a dialogue with regional countries. Pakistan and China declined the invite. In their absence other countries, especially Central Asian Republics (CARs) began to share their thoughts without hesitation. At a time when India and Russia are trying to explore the areas of congruence, Afghanistan emerged as issue of mutual interest. Currently, India, Russia and Iran are finding themselves on the same page.

Prioritizing the need for a stable, peaceful and secure Afghanistan, both the countries “emphasized the respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs” in an apparent dig at Pakistan. The sides appreciated the finalization of roadmap between India and Russia on Afghanistan. Reiterating their commitment to combat terrorism, in the joint statement India and Russia included LeT, a Pakistani terror group sheltering in Afghanistan. China prevented the mention of LeT in RIC (Russia India China) joint communique.

Both countries echoed similar opinions about denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, implementation of JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and supported a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process for Syria. Notably, the joint statement while reaffirming centrality of ASEAN in the regional security but avoided the use of the construct Indo-Pacific and instead referred it to as regions in Indian and Pacific Oceans. This comes as no surprise given Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s vehement disapproval to use of Indo-Pacific as divisive. Shortly, after the Modi-Putin Summit, he reiterated his position and slammed America’s Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China.

In pursuit of advancing the bilateral ties and shielding it against push and pull factors of the geopolitical developments, India and Russia have endeavoured to strengthen the strategic cooperation. The impact of this fresh impetus to strategic cooperation has tremendous implications for international relations. Amid the raging US and China confrontation, Russia and India which pursue independent foreign policies can emerge as a stabilizing force or even a balancing force.

Despite Russia’s close ties with China, Russia is wary of China’s growing footprint and influence in its traditional backyard, the Central Asian region. But Russia’s deepening economic cooperation and its reliance of defence and energy exports has limited its options to show China its place. To counter Beijing’s hegemonic rise, Russia is betting on a stable partnership with and a formidable defence cooperation with New Delhi. A strong India can be an effective bulwark against the Middle Kingdom. However, in an event of a clash between India and China, Russia will not openly side with India but would ensure an uninterrupted supply of defence supplies to New Delhi.

Similarly, Russia has locked horns with the West, precisely the US, over the Ukraine issue. Russia is miffed by America’s strategy of pushing European borders further to the east. Putin and Biden are at loggerheads with each other over Russia’s deployment of thousands of troops along the Ukrainian borders. In a virtual meet, Biden is reported to have warned Russia of dire consequences including blocking access to SWIFT system for money transfers. Despite, India’s close ties with the US, India will choose to remain silent.

Even as issues of convergences are beginning to shrink, the time-tested India and Russia are banking in strategic legacy to rejuvenate ties. India is no longer a third World country of 1970s. Its rapid economic progress and rising global stature has in part changed the dynamics of the bilateral ties. It has now more things in common with the West than Russia, which hasn’t managed to diversify its economy.

In its quest for more economic opportunities, an aspiring India is looking west. But when it comes to defence, Russia is India’s first choice owing to the decades of collaboration and more recently its involvement in Make in India initiative. By ignoring US threat of sanctions over procurement of S-400 Triumf Missile system, India validated its trust to India-Russia defence engagement. Besides, India has always maintained its strategic autonomy disagreeing on the issues of divergences with the US.

Clearly, two facets of India-Russia relations are emerging. Heralding the strategic cooperation, Putin through his visit has exuded new confidence in building mutual trust. By reading out China’s script on Indo-Pacific, Moscow is letting New Delhi know of its discomfort of blossoming Indo-US strategic global partnership.

Putin’s visit has successfully demolished the speculations of strategic gaps in the relationship. At the same time, massive geopolitical realignments have exposed the rough edges in the longstanding India-Russian relationship. The challenge is now to address the divergences and uphold mutual trust. The annual summit has made a first move in that direction.

As great power contestation continues to threaten the peace and stability of the region, a stable India-Russia relationship offers a promise of a multipolar Asia.

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Revisiting the Educational Heritage of India

 

विद्यां ददाति विनयं, विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्।

पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति, धनात् धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥

The above sloka, traced back to Hitopadesa, says- vidhya or real knowledge generates humility and gives bearer discipline and from discipline comes worthiness, from worthiness one gets wealth, from wealth (one does) good deeds, from that (comes) real joy.

From eons Bharat believed that the betterment of a person would ultimately lead to the collective good of the society. Knowledge acquisition in Bharat was always held in high esteem. Indeed, the knowledge of Brahman and Atman for self-realisation through Jnana yoga was prescribed to the practitioner. The other two being -Bhakti and Karma yoga to attain the ultimate salvation.

Education thus enjoyed an exalted status in the Indian society and became an integral aspect of our civilisation. Gaining knowledge and eschewing ignorance was regarded the foremost duty of a person. Whetting intellectual pursuits, knowledge acquisition or learning was thus considered as a sacred duty.

Catering to an immense curiosity of ancient Indians yearning to gain perspectives of physical and spiritual world, the Rishis and Acharyas developed a robust education ecosystem. Unlike the modern system, that prepared the students for a career, the ancient system of education prepared them for life. Embedded in the quintessential ingredients of “character-building and man-making training”, as the cornerstone of education, ancient educational system produced intellectuals who plumbed the depths of science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, physics, and theology.

A holistic and inter-disciplinary learning has thus been the hallmark of Indian pedagogy. In her book, Sahana Singh’s “Revisiting the Educational Heritage of India”, the author expertly encapsulates the various facets of ancient Indian education system and the defining attributes of Bharat’s educational heritage that can be incorporated into the modern education system.

An ideal education system should satiate the inner curiosity of an individual, hone skills to help them to stand on their feet. Unfortunately, the current education system is turning out to be a miserable failure rolling out thousands of unemployables every year. The falling standards, the disconnect between the training provided and the need of the industry, and absence of vocational learning are turning to be bane on students of the modern Indian education. It is in this context that it becomes all the more pertinent to delve into ancient educational system whose foundations were rooted in imparting skills and enhancing the entrepreneurial acumen. Practical training has always been an integral part of the ancient education system.

Well-structured ancient learning had a system in place that ensured proliferation of a talent pool. Akin to the current day competitive exams, students were evaluated for their critical mental, cognitive and analytical faculties. Meritorious students were offered admission in the universities of higher learning while others were encouraged to practice vocational courses based on their interest and ability. This kind of compartmentalisation at an early stage ensured that highest standards are maintained both in industrial and vocational training and generation of a vast pool of custodians of higher knowledge. The cluster pool with practical skills as their forte exuded the spirit of entrepreneurship, and these have been instrumental in making ancient India a manufacturing hub of a variety of products. Alongside, the pioneering contributions of India’s intellectual giants made it a natural magnet for knowledge seekers and even spread scholarship in the neighbouring countries.

While it has been well documented that people from far and wide came to Bharat to study in our universities, what is less known is that Indian scholars often travelled to different countries and opened up opportunities for learning. Buddhist scholars like Kasyapa Matanga, Dharmaratna and others mostly from Kashmir- Buddhayasas, Dharmayasas, Dharmaksema, Buddhajiva and Dharmamitra moved to China carrying several manuscripts. Presence of huge collection of rare Sanskrit manuscripts in China and Tibet attests to this fact.

India has been knowledge powerhouse of the World. Sahana Singh’s books reflects her efforts to meticulously collates various sources of information such as manuscripts, inscriptions, oral history, travelogues, and various forms of literature that survived centuries of onslaught. Throughout her narration, the author refers to various recorded instances from the past that clearly reflects how Bharat and its rulers spread knowledge and dharma.

To illustrate the flow of knowledge from India to other countries, the author has compiled a chart that chronologically depicted the knowledge transfer from India. From 100 BCE onwards China began receiving Buddhist texts, knowledge of Ayurveda, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Psychology, Mathematics, Astronomy, Martial Arts from India. Pallava Prince Boddhidharma also known as Damo, known to be founder of Zen (Dhyana) who reached China began teaching physical drill which has become basis for the Shaolin Kungfu.

Xuanzang wrote that India was called Yin-Tu by Chinese which means moon. As it was the only country which illuminated the darkness into which the world had fallen after the passing of Buddha by providing a succession of learned sages. Chinese philosopher and former ambassador to the US, Hu Shih said that India has “conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border”. He added-

“Never before had China seen a religion so rich in imagery, so beautiful and captivating in ritualism and so bold in cosmological halting before a magnificent storehouse of precious stones of dazzling brilliancy and splendour, China was overwhelmed, baffled and overjoyed. She begged and borrowed freely from this munificent giver…. China’s indebtedness to India can never be fully told.”

Perceiving India as a major threat to its dominance while Xi’s hegemonistic China brazenly flexes its muscles and indulges in grey zone tactics, the Middle Kingdom considered India as intellectual giant of nonpareil

Similarly, the language Sanskrit has become forerunner for the Shittan script in Japan used to write mantras. Sanskrit was the language of administration in Cambodia and the Ta Prohm temple in Siem Reap used to be centre of learning. Even now several Sanskrit inscriptions are found in Champa (current day Vietnam), Kambuja (Cambodia). Hindu Kings of Java have developed language from Sanskrit called Kawi used to transmit Vedas, smritis and puranas. Similarly, medicine, Panchatantra, Astronomy, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Algebra travelled to Persia and West Asia from 600 BCE.

The chapter titled- “Translations that powered a knowledge revolution” comprises of numerous instances of knowledge transfer from India and their subsequent adoption in different countries. Indeed, famous Greek thinkers -Euclid, Hipparchus, Theon, Archimedes, Hypatia are said to have used the sources of library of Alexandria in Egypt that had a rare collection of Indian manuscript.

From Egypt and West Asia, the translated versions of Indian works reached Europe. India’s scientific prowess and intellectual contributions has propelled a knowledge revolution or the Renaissance which has powered the World. While the Arabs acknowledged India as the source of the knowledge Europeans stealthily plagiarised the Indian works and brazenly belittled the original thinkers.

While the whole World benefitted India’s scholarship and pioneering advancements in various fields, unending trail of Islamic invasions inflicted a devastating blow on the knowledge ecosystem of India. Besides plundering the wealth of India, they grudgingly burnt the libraries and famed universities. Attacking pedagogues and forcibly seizing manuscripts the invaders destroyed the traditional local learning networks. Some invaders, carried back manuscripts got them translated and benefitted from them.

The over two century old British colonisation has completely destroyed the backbone of the Indian educational ecosystem with introduction of English and their system of education decrepit of vocational and industrial training. Disavowing to resurrect the Indian system of education even after independence, Indians miserably lost an opportunity to reclaim its position as knowledge leader of the World. Denuded of values and holistic approach, the western education system has been churning millions of deracinated, self-doubting Indians who abhor anything Indian. Devoid of innovation and original thinking, Indians are now reduced to work horses.

Further, selective interpretation of history, whitewashing of tyrants, distortion of facts to appease a section of society has irretrievably damaged the very foundation of critical and objective learning. Failing to infuse a sense of pride in their civilisation roots, the Indian education system has successfully produced a battalion of politically correct self-acclaimed intellectuals who have lost a direction and purpose in life. Indian education system must be salvaged from these ills.

To address this situation, it is important to re-examine the educational heritage of India and seek insights from the system that has positioned India as a knowledge fount. A relook at the educational traditions of ancient India will definitely help in devising a new methodology. Certainly, there is a dire need to infuse a civilisational pride and dharmic rootedness. Sahana Singh’s book ticks both these boxes.

In her book, Singh has succinctly laid out the attributes of India’s educational system that catapulted Bharat to the pinnacles of excellence. At a time when there is palpable enthusiasm towards reclaiming our civilisation, Singh through her diligent research has impeccably brought to fore the defining aspects of the knowledge edifice of ancient India. Underpinning the importance of practical training, need for competition and collaboration and institutionalization of education, she reflected on the rise and progress of learning ecosystem.

Accentuating on the nuances of the learning with memory training as an essential element, she demolishes the fallacy of equating it to rote learning.  Celibacy or leading a disciplined life exercising control on aspects like food, sleep and thoughts is considered to be an essential prerequisite for devoted learning. Aspirants of higher learning were mandated to practice law of continence which not only encapsulated the Hindu way of life but prevented people from going astray. Broaching on various features and dispelling the distorted narratives about Women’s education, Singh presents the overarching feature of ancient Indian learning.

For decades, half-brained intellectuals peddled lies and mocked the traditional knowledge wealth of India and malevolently showed Bharat in poor light. At odds with this false narrative the exhaustive repertoire of extracts in the book (backed by sources) enumerates the spread of India’s knowledge to distant lands. Be it Fibonacci numbers or the Pythagoras theorem or the decimal system or the Mendeleev’s periodic table or the Panini’s Ashtadhyayi as the source of higher machine language, rhinoplasty and several other contributions are all rooted to Indic knowledge system.

Unraveling and eloquently presenting the trail of Indic knowledge transmission and its export to Greece, Europe and West Asia, the author has instilled an admiration and veneration towards the pedagogy of our ancestors. Ideally this book should be an essential accompaniment to the regular academic curriculum to understand, reflect and conserve the traditional educational practices.

Humbled and motivated, now it is bounden duty as the proud inheritors of this exalted civilisation to seek answers from our ancient structured education system as we attempt to reconnect with past and overhaul our education system.

 

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Small countries lead the way in resisting Chinese aggression

Yet again 27 Chinese aircrafts, including eight J-16 jets and a Y-20 aerial refueling tanker entered Taiwan’s southwest air defense identification zone¹. Air space violation has become China’s favourite way of intimidating Taiwan and consolidating its sovereignty claims over the island. Aerial incursions by China have become a routine for China to express its severe condemnation. Apart from imposing sanctions on Taiwanese officials for their alleged separatist activists, China is now intensifying attacks on any country that expressed support to the democratic identity of Taiwan.

The recent show of aggressive comes in the wake of visit of lawmakers of Baltic States to Taiwan to attend the 2021 Open Parliament Forum hosted by Taiwan. Protesting the arrival of representatives from Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, China flew jets. Prior to that China held joint military exercises in the Taiwan Straits to condemn the visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan. Ensconced by “strategic ambiguity” while the US has been relaying conflicting messages, in sharp contrast, Lithuania firmly resisted the China coercive diplomacy and inaugurated Taiwan’s defacto embassy at Vilnius.

For the first time in 18 years, Taiwan has opened an office in Europe. Unlike its other outposts across the World which are designated as “Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices”, the Vilnius office is opened under the name of “Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania”.

Sino-Lithuanian relations have been on the edge after the Baltic nation pulled out 17+1 China-CEEC (Central and Eastern European Countries). Stating that China is using 17+1 to divide Europe Union and casting aspersions on Beijing’s respect for human rights, democracy and rule of law, Lithuania initially announced its stance of reviewing relations with Beijing. By the last week of May, Lithuania quit the agreement and announced that it will open a commercial office in Taiwan².

Around the same time, in response to China’s sanctions on various EU officials for their remarks on the human rights issues of Uighurs, EU put the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CIA) with Beijing on hold. True to its nature, wielding trade as the strategic weapon against Lithuania, China withdrew its ambassador and expelled the Lithuanian envoy, stopped the rail freight services and halted the trade between two countries.

With this, Lithuania joined the list of nations that were subjected to economic sanctions. The list included Norway, South Korea, Australia among others. Undeterred by China’s assertive actions, Lithuania continued its engagement and inaugurated the Taiwanese office in Vilnius.  EU and US must take a leaf from Lithuania.

The Chinese retaliation and sanctions against Lithuania provided fresh impetus to the discussions on a proposed new EU legislation designed to counter and deter the sanction by third countries against EU and its members. Should this legislation be passed, the EU would be empowered to impose trade, investment or other restrictions against the third countries. Unfortunately, the EU is visibly divided on this aspect with France and Germany keen on pursuing their economic interests.

What is really interesting is a Baltic minnow with a population of 3 million defying China’s bullying. China’s threats couldn’t deter the resolve Lithuanian government that affirmed “value-based foreign policy” of “supporting people supporting democratic movements”³. The David Vs Goliath fight has now inadvertently exposed the geopolitical ambitions of China. In the face of this coercion, Lithuanian foreign minister travelled to Washington, which pledged iron-clad support to the fellow NATO member.

Notwithstanding its puny size, Lithuania has firmly asserted its values. Indeed, Lithuania became the first nation to declare independence following the collapse of Soviet Union in 1990. Even now it is in logger heads with Russia and Belarus for sheltering the exiled dissident leader, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Lithuania has always stood up for what it believed is right. Lithuania which is no stranger to bullying and hectoring has been quick in rejecting China’s upmanship.

Unlike other countries that hardly made noise about the built-in feature of Chinese mobiles that censored terms like “Free Tibet”, “Long live Taiwan”, “Democracy movement” Vilnius banned the officials from using the Chinese origin phones for harbouring a censorship feature. In 2019, Chinese diplomats carried out a protest to counter a rally by Lithuanian citizens in support of Hongkong democratic movement. This incident witnessed minor scuffles and sowed deep distrust against Beijing.  

Rejecting the pressurizing politics of China, several Lithuanian leaders supported Taiwan friendship group and joined Taiwan national day celebration in 2020. Refusing to be muzzled, Baltic country, which serves as a transit corridor China to Europe, has blunted China’s attempt to silence it. Amid China’s latest attempts to further downgrade diplomatic ties with Lithuania and pressurize other countries to restrict trade with Vilinus, Slovenia (current President of Council of EU) urged the Union to stand with Lithuania.

Similarly, in March, Romania booted out Chinese firms operating in telecom and nuclear sector, issued a sharp rebuke to President Xi and refused to send the President to the 17+1 Summit⁴. Defying Chinese threat and open provocation of “you’ve crossed the line” Czech Republic senate President met Taiwanese President⁵. China’s bullying and aggression reminds these countries of communist Soviet Union which they strongly detest. They approve that Chinese hectoring is a threat to democracy. This in particular is more visible to Baltic and Balkan countries, former communist states.

For seeking an investigation into origins of the Covid pandemic, China suspended trade with Australia. But Canberra refused to succumb to China’s pressure tactics. Diversifying trade, it sealed a security alliance with US and UK to bolster its sovereignty and security. Clearly, small countries are leading the way to take on the Dragon.

China’s ambitious agenda of reunification received a massive jolt with the election of President Tsai. To dent Taiwan’s attempts to have an identity, Beijing began coercing small Latin American and Pacific Island to severe ties with Taipei in lieu of investment and infrastructure assistance.  Since 2016, China enticed six countries to snap ties with Taiwan. Subsequently, the number of countries which maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan fell to 14 after Kiribati and Solomon Islands switched their diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China in 2019.

Now simmering riots and torching of China constructed buildings in Solomon Islands has exposed the insidious power play and diplomacy of China. Demanding the ouster of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare for cozying up to China, venting their anger for switching allegiances, protestors left a trail of destruction. Three people in China town were charred to death and Australian forces were called to restore normalcy. Foreign policy emerging as the moot point for protests appears to be strange. However, the nub of the unrest has been the $US 500 million promised by Beijing to Solomon Islands in exchange for terminating ties with Taiwan.

Allegedly the promised aid has been provided to the Islands as Constituency Development Fund as a direct payment to the MPs. Through dollar diplomacy, Beijing bought the politicians and the allegiance of the Island⁶. The opposition firmly opposed newly elected Prime Minister Sogavare’s move in 2019. Asserting that siding with China would compromise the Islands values on human rights and democracy, they sent an open letter. They are firmly opposed to the Communist ideology of China

The riots certainly have a precedence. In 2006 violent protests broke out in Solomon Islands over the claims of elections being rigged with the assistance of Chinese business people⁷. Playing into the apprehensions of the Islanders, China has been dominating the foreign policy since 2019.

China’s aggressive policies has failed to bring political acquiescence Beijing has anticipated. On the contrary, nations are drifting away from it. In his ruthless pursuit for its global ambitions, China has undermined the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations with impunity. Nations are now turning the tide. At recently concluded China-ASEAN summit, commemorating thirty years of diplomatic ties, President Xi stated “China was, is and will always be ASEAN’s good neighbour, good friend and good partner of ASEAN” and that Beijing wouldn’t “bully its smaller neighbours”.

Ironically, this statement came at a time when the Philippines has strongly condemned the action of three Chinese boats that blocked and fired water cannon to drive away resupply boats headed towards Philippines-occupied atoll. ASEAN countries have been at the receiving end of Chinese expansionism and countries haven’t taken Xi’s words kindly.

At the ASEAN summit, Philippines President criticized China saying, “we abhor the recent event in the Ayungin Shoal and view with grave concern other similar developments”⁸ and rued about China’s failure to adhere to rule based-order. Though ASEAN is struggling to rise as a single unified voice, it is determinedly pushing back China’s hegemony. ASEAN didn’t concede to China’s lobbying of allowing Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing to the summit and forced it to send a non-political representative. Even the ASEAN joint statement reaffirmed the importance of uploading the rule-based order, commitment to freedom of navigation in South China Sea and freedom of flight over the waters as an oblique reference to China’s belligerence.

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