CHINA-BHUTAN
1. Context
The 25th round of boundary talks between Bhutan and China, held in Beijing, has marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to resolve their border disputes. These talks come after a seven-year hiatus and represent a positive step forward since their last discussions in 2016. The pause in negotiations was partly due to the Doklam Standoff between Indian and Chinese armies in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021. During this break, both countries engaged in talks at various levels, particularly after China's threat to open a new front for a border dispute in Bhutan's east.
2. China Bhutan Relations
- China and Bhutan have a long and complex history. The two countries first established contact in the 7th century, and they have had several disputes over the centuries.
- In the early 20th century, China invaded Bhutan, but Bhutan was able to maintain its independence with British support.
- After Bhutan gained independence from India in 1949, it pursued a policy of isolationism. However, Bhutan began to open up to the outside world in the 1970s, and it established relations with China in 1979.
- China and Bhutan share a 470-kilometer border. The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations, but they have maintained dialogue and cooperation on various issues, including border talks, trade, and investment.
- Trade between China and Bhutan has grown significantly in recent years. China is now Bhutan's largest trading partner. China exports a variety of goods to Bhutan, including machinery, electronics, and textiles. Bhutan exports hydropower and other natural resources to China.
- Chinese investment in Bhutan has also increased in recent years. Chinese companies are involved in a variety of projects in Bhutan, including infrastructure development, hydropower, and mining.
3. The 3-Step Roadmap
The 3-Step Roadmap, initiated in 2021, aims to facilitate border resolution between Bhutan and China. This roadmap involves three key phases:
- The first step is to reach a mutual agreement on the border in principle.
- The second step entails conducting on-site inspections of the border areas to ensure a clear understanding of the territory involved.
- The final step involves the formal demarcation of the border, which would provide a clear delineation of Bhutanese and Chinese territory.
It's important to note that Bhutan and China do not have diplomatic relations, as Bhutan has maintained a policy of not establishing diplomatic ties with any of the United Nations Security Council's permanent members.
4. India's Concerns and Observations
India is closely monitoring the Bhutan-China border talks due to several reasons:
- India's relations with China deteriorated significantly following the border standoff at the Line of Actual Control in 2020. Therefore, any signs of closer ties between China and one of India's closest neighbours raise concerns in New Delhi.
- India is particularly concerned about the demarcation discussions over Doklam. China has proposed an agreement to "swap" areas under Bhutanese control in Doklam with areas it claims in Jakarlung and Pasamlung. The Doklam region is strategically significant as it is close to India's Siliguri corridor, a narrow strip connecting India's northeastern states to the rest of the country. India is wary of China gaining access to areas near this critical corridor.
- India is also apprehensive about China's demand for full diplomatic relations with Bhutan and the establishment of a Chinese embassy in Thimphu. Given India's concerns with Chinese projects and influence in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, any Chinese presence in Bhutan could pose challenges for India.
However, Bhutan's leadership has assured that all decisions will consider India's interests and consult with India on matters of concern.
5. Conclusion
The recent border talks and the progress made in the Bhutan-China border resolution process have garnered significant attention, especially from India, as the outcome could have implications for regional geopolitics and India's strategic interests.
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For Prelims: China, Bhutan, India, COVID-19 pandemic, Line of Actual Control, Doklam, Siliguri corridor,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the implications of the China-Bhutan border talks for India's security and strategic interests. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
Prelims
1. Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC CSE 2016) (a) African Union Answer: D 2. The South China Sea Dispute involves which of the following countries? (CDS GK 2019)
1. China
2. Vietnam
3. Malaysia
4. Indonesia
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 4 B. 1 and 2 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C
3. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (UPSC CSE 2022)
A. It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
B. China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
C. A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
D. Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man's land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.
Answer: B
4. LAC (Line of Actual Control) is an effective border between India and ______. (SSC CHSL 2021)
A. Pakistan B. Bhutan C. Sri Lanka D. China
Answer: D
5. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates (Karnataka Civil Police Constable 2020)
A. India and Pakistan
B. India and Afghanistan
C. India and Nepal
D. India and China
Answer: D
6. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
7. Covid-19 is which of the following? (Rajasthan Police Constable 2020)
A. An under study vaccine for the corona virus.
B. Drug used to treat corona virus.
C. Another name for the corona virus that created the epidemic in 2019.
D. All diseases in 2019.
Answer: C
8. India and China were engaged in a territorial dispute over Doklam in 2017. Doklam area is situated at the corner of the ______ tri-junction. (SSC CHSL 2020)
A. Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and China
B. Pakistan, Jammu & Kashmir and China
C. Bhutan, Sikkim and China
D. Bhutan, West Bengal and China
Answer: C
Mains
1. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC CSE 2018) 2. China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for the development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine. (UPSC CSE 2014) 3. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC CSE 2017) 4. Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (UPSC CSE 2016).
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