China-India-Nepal Relations - Prof Zhang Jiadong скачать в хорошем качестве

China-India-Nepal Relations - Prof Zhang Jiadong

NIICE had a conversation with Prof Prof. Zhang Jiadong, the Director of Center for South Asian Studies, Fudan University on issues related to China and South Asia with special focus on China-India-Nepal relations. Prof. Zhang Jiadong is the Director of the Center for South Asian Studies and senior researcher at the Center for American Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai. His research focus includes China-India-US relations, South Asian issues, and anti-terrorism issues. He is also the dean of BRI Institute of Strategy and International Security, Fudan University. He is a former diplomat, he has worked as Second Secretary at China’s Embassy in New Delhi. He holds his Ph.D. from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University. He has published several books and articles at reputed journals. He loves to play Basketball, listening to Music and Traveling. Questions: The situation in China has finally normalized after the COVID-19 crisis. It has got firm control over the virus. What were the policies adopted by the Chinese government to control the spread of the virus? What lessons should South Asia take from China? What will be the impact of COVID-19 on China-South Asia's overall relations as well as on trade relations? How is COVID-19 going to impact China’s Belt and Road Initiative, especially in regard to the projects of South Asian countries? Do you think that China has given more importance to South Asia, especially beyond Pakistan and India, since President Xi Jinping came to power? If yes, what are the major reasons behind it? Recently China sent more than 400 tonnes of equipment to India. Nepal also received 2.5 tons and other medical supplies from China. Similar medical assistance was provided to Pakistan and other south Asian countries. Chinese businessman Jack Ma also donated to several countries. So my question is, how do you look at China’s response to COVID-19 in South Asia, the overall ‘mask diplomacy’, or ‘health diplomacy’? There is also the concept of ‘Health Silk Road’ in China these days. Similarly, the Chinese Foreign Minister made a statement that the US is pushing China towards the brink of a new Cold War? What is your take on it? Do you think China-US competition or rivalry will have any impact on China’s relations with South Asia, particularly China-India or China-Nepal relations? This year India-China marked 70th years of their diplomatic relations. How would you look at the last 70 years of their relations? In which direction are the relations moving? China is a major exporter to India which is more than 500 billion RMB. But since the pandemic, all imports have been restricted from China to India. Recently Indian PM Narendra Modi announced the need for ‘self-reliance’ (atmanirbhar in Hindi) to achieve global leadership after the COVID-19 crisis and he appealed Indians to buy local goods. How did China respond to it? What is your assessment of it? Let’s move to the recent border conflict between the two countries. There was standoff between India and China at three places in Ladakh (Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, and …) and one in North Sikkim (Naku La). Could you please put light on the issue? How did this issue erupt all of sudden when the whole world is fighting the virus? What is the current situation there? What should both the countries do to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control? Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in India is USD 6.2 billion. Are these developments going to slow or stop the flow of Chinese investment in India? Nepal and China enjoy good relations. Recently, Nepal objected to the inaugural of ‘link road’ to Mansarovar via Lipulekh by Indian Defense minister as Nepal claims it as its territory. When Nepal raised concern over this disputed territory, Indian Chief of Army Staff remarked that third country (hinting at China) provoked Nepal? How is this issue taken in China? Nepal had raised similar concerns when Lipulekh was mentioned in the Joint Statement of May 2015 released during Indian PM Modi’s visit to China. Similarly, media reports state that the Chinese are claiming parts of Mount Everest as theirs? Hence, people in Nepal accuse that even China is encroaching Nepalese land. Your comment on this. Indian media and a small sections in Nepal see the Chinese hand in the unification of Communist Parties of Nepal. Recently there was internal conflict among the top leaders of Nepal Communist Party, it was reported that the problem got resolved after Chinese intervention. How far is it true? How do you think Nepal-China relations is going to change after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal last October? #china #india #Nepal #borderdispute #Xi #BRI