Sansad TV Perspective: The Biden - Xi Summit and its Implications

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic ‘The Biden – Xi Summit and its Implications’.

Anchor: Vishal Dahiya 

Participants:

1. Prof. Sreeram Chaulia, Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs
2. Elisabeth Braw, Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute, Washington DC
3. Meera Shankar, Former Ambassador

Context:

The US-China bilateral relationship has been thriving amidst jeopardy with the onset of a trade war for a long period of time. The unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft from China’s end were the bones of contention.

 Importance of the ‘Biden – Xi Summit’: 

As time progressed, the relationship tarnished and sent an alarming message across geographies thereby establishing a new trend in international trade. This trade war between the two great economies cast a significant influence on India’s foreign policy and it continues to be an area of importance. The Biden – Xi Summit, which was recently organised, opens a new doorway to resolve the issues in terms of trade, maritime security with respect to the Indo-Pacific region, peace, human rights and friendship that shall benefit not only the participating countries but also other partners in the international community. In accordance with the White House handout, the US raised the major concerns of its allied partners and aimed at creating an international system that is free, open and fair seeking cooperation from China. Besides, China agreed to enliven its ties with the US and proceed towards a positive direction.

Complexities arising from the Summit:

• The experts in the panel opined that there is a considerable narrowing of the power gap between the US and China, thus adding more to the insecurity of the incumbent power over the rising one.
• It is believed that this meeting was a continuation of the idea of ‘strategic stability’ that intends to keep the channel of communications active keeping the ongoing clashes intact. 
• As an overview of the summit, there were several points of disagreement between the two countries with absolutely different value systems, especially matters related to Taiwan. 
• Therefore, some experts refrain from seeing a scope of improvement in the US-China relationship through this very summit. Instead, it is believed that an attempt has been made by the major economies just to show the world their statesmanship.

The Essential Elements of the Discussion:

• The hotspot of discussion between the two economic giants forms a mixed blend of strategic competition in the economic and technological spheres and collaboration in the areas such as environmental issues.
• America raised concerns over the aggressive executions by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) in the regions of Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong and aimed at protecting the American workers from unfair trade practices. 
• There exist technological and trade tussles and the emerging US command over the Indo-Pacific giving rise to a geopolitical issue between the two countries.
• Collaborations like QUAD have been condemned by China calling them divisive blocks in the region. This is another step to contain the expansion of the US in the Indo-Pacific region.

Implications on India:

• The aggressive and expansionist actions of China have always been an impediment to India’s peace and security. 
• This is the optimum time wherein India needs to look for better international systems to deliver a clear message that it shall not be under the Chinese hegemony. 
• As the US raised the issues of the Indo-Pacific, a robust voice to India’s concern towards peace and security has been offered with prominence. 
• Therefore, going forward, emboldening the India-US partnership can ensure a progressive counterattack on Chinese aggression. 
• Besides, India’s favourable market ambience for the global supply chain can benefit the business interests of the US which is unlikely to be favourable with China owing to their controversial decoupling policy. 

Also read: India – US relations

Going Forward with the Challenges:

The entire gamut of the US-China relationship is backed by conflicting ideologies, competition and cooperation. It is suggested that there must exist more cooperation between the two countries thereby managing their competition. In this context, the Biden- Xi Summit creates a gaining ground despite some experts believing it to be unproductive and a mere eyewash. China’s intent to spread its hegemony in the trade, technological and maritime spheres emerges as the major challenge for the US to shape its foreign policy. The experts inferred that strengthening the India – US partnership and reaching it to the advantage will promote India’s national interest to overtake China.

Read more summaries of Perspective in the link.

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