QUESTION 9
GS2
10 marks
“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.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss how China uses trade and economic ties to build military power in Asia and what that means for India.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Tools: trade surplus funds defence modernisation; BRI and CPEC (through PoK); port projects (Hambantota, Gwadar, Kyaukphyu); loans creating dependence≈35 words
- 2Impact on India: strategic encirclement, dual-use ports in the Indian Ocean, border assertiveness (Doklam 2017, Galwan 2020), trade deficit and supply-chain dependence (APIs, electronics)≈35 words
- 3India's response: Press Note 3, app bans, PLI schemes, Quad, SAGAR, infrastructure in neighbourhood, Chabahar≈35 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Statement contextChina's toolsImpact on India (strategic, economic)ResponseConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Writing only about the border dispute
- No economic data
Draw this
- Map of Chinese-funded ports around India
Value addition
- DataIndia's trade deficit with China was about US$85 billion in 2023-24.Ministry of Commerce
- ExampleSri Lanka leased Hambantota port to a Chinese firm for 99 years in 2017 after debt distress.2017 agreement
- PolicyPress Note 3 (April 2020) required government approval for FDI from countries sharing land borders with India.DPIIT, 2020
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.