United Press cited expert opinions, stating that although Indian Prime Minister Modi visited China, it would be too optimistic to believe that Sino-India relations have fully improved. United Press believes that Trump's tough stance toward India has prompted India to strengthen cooperation with China, but Sino-India relations have formed structural constraints, which are difficult to improve in the short term. These issues include the border issue between China and India, the Pakistan factor, competition for influence in the Global South, India's domestic crackdown on Chinese products, and restrictions on Chinese investments, among others.
The "dance of the dragon and the elephant" is unlikely to occur. In a certain sense, India uses its relationship with China to hedge against U.S. strategic risks. India will not simply side with one party. Do not expect it to completely align with the U.S. to oppose China. It will also not follow China to oppose the U.S. This is its tradition. Therefore, United Press believes that believing that Sino-India relations have significantly improved is undoubtedly too optimistic.
What do we think of United Press's views? Obviously, we must admit that such analysis is reasonable. There is no doubt that Sino-India relations indeed face a series of problems. The fundamental issue is how India sees us. On one hand, India has long regarded us as a strategic competitor. On the other hand, India sees the Sino-India relationship as a lever to promote U.S.-India cooperation. Therefore, even if Sino-India relations have improved somewhat now, this cannot guarantee that India will not show new swings.
In fact, India is currently seeking to ease relations with us because the U.S.-India relationship has deteriorated significantly. Because India wants to avoid being squeezed between China and the U.S. We certainly cannot expect India to stand with us to oppose the U.S. According to India's position, the Sino-India border issue can only be eased, not resolved fundamentally. As for Sino-India economic and trade relations, due to India's protectionism and unfriendly business environment, deep cooperation between China and India is also difficult. Therefore, the current Sino-India relationship is in the initial stage of rebuilding trust. How far it can go depends on India.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1839860641769801/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.