Recently, Chinese President launched a new Global Security Initiative (GSI) aiming to counter the U.S-based Indo-Pacific strategy and the Quad framework, consisting of India, the U.S, Australia, and Japan. Although the GSI hasn’t been explicitly defined yet, its implications on India and its interests are noteworthy.
The Underlying Principle of GSI: Indivisible Security
Chinese officials have described the GSI as being rooted in the principle of “indivisible security.” This concept suggests that no country should strengthen its security at the expense of others’ security. With the rise of unilateralism, hegemony, and power politics threatening global peace, the GSI aims to address these complex security threats.
The Asian Security Model and Opposition to Sanctions
The GSI advocates for a “common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable” security approach, giving birth to an Asian security model rooted in mutual respect, openness, and integration. Notably, the proposed initiative opposes the use of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, thereby criticizing prevalent Western sanctions.
GSI’s Perception of New Cold War and Controversial Groupings
China perceives the ‘Indo-Pacific strategy’ as an attempt to divide the region, instigating a ‘new Cold War’. It equates the Quad grouping to the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (comprising Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.) and considers the AUKUS pact as a U.S effort to form an Asian equivalent of NATO.
Quad Members Respond to China’s Criticisms
In response to the GSI, Quad members disapprove of being compared to Asian NATO or a military alliance. They emphasize their broad-based cooperation efforts, including work on vaccines and technology. They also criticize China’s double standards and unilateral actions.
The Emergence of a New Cold War: Important Indicators
Increased assertiveness from China under its President Xi Jinping has raised concerns about shifting from soft to hard authoritarianism, stirring conflicts with the U.S and its allies. In response, the U.S has launched initiatives like Quad and the Indo-Pacific narrative in an attempt to counter China’s rise. Other notable events signaling a ‘new Cold War’ include China’s aggressive stance on the South China Sea and initiatives aimed at challenging the U.S.-dominated global economic order.
The Role of India Amidst Global Power Dynamics
As a rising global power, India is being courted by both the U.S and China. While some U.S foreign policy experts consider India as a natural ally against China, Chinese diplomats in India express hope for a shared future for mankind. It’s important for India to promote new multilateralism, take up diplomacy with global powers, and acknowledge technological superiority as crucial for national security. Given these dynamics, self-sufficiency in critical technological domains is of paramount importance for India.
