Before Western imperialism came, India and China were the two most powerful countries of Asia, There was hardly any dispute between them. Between the two countries there were only limited political and cultural relations. Because of that, forming a foreign policy was difficult.
When India gained its freedom from Britain and China ousted its foreign powers, everybody thought these two big countries would have better relations and Asia would be much benefited. In those days there was the famous slogan ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai”. But constant border disputes destroyed those dreams of cooperation. Here are the reasons for the two countries to have such unfriendly attitudes.
In 1950, China annexed Tibet and the Sino lndian borders were decided.In 1962, China claimed some portions of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region from Ladakh. In the 1962 Indo China War, India suffered military setbacks. Until 1976, diplomatic relations between the two countries were minimal In the 1970s. the foreign policy of the then Prime Minister of China Chou en Lai helped in the betterment of Indo China relations. In 1981 mutual talks were organized. Their policies now are also dependent on the economic aspect. Both countries have to play major roles in the economic and political scene of Asia.
In 1988, Rajiv Gandhi visited China, The purpose behind it was maintaining peace on the border. Both parties felt that there should be cooperation between the two countries, especially in scientific and technological matters. Four border posts were opened for trade purposes. Deng Xiao Ping’s Open Door Policy’ helped friendly relations between the two countries grow.
Trade between India and China amounted to 18 billion dollars in 2006, whereas it was only 338 lakhs in 1992. Both the countries have agreed to cooperate and work together in organizations like the WTO.
When India tested its atomic device in 1998, China helped Pakistan to make its nuclear weapons. This, as well as China’s military alliance with Bangladesh and Myanmar, is against the interests of India. But none of these led to any serious dispute.In the border matters, talks are still going on. Leaders of both countries exchange visits, in travel, communication and economic matters, the situation has improved greatly.
