China Study Center, University of Peshawar has organized a Webinar on “Exploring China and India Relations in Global, Regional and bilateral Perspectives in 2020” on 20^th October 2020 at 11 am at the Conference hall in the Center. Many renowned scholars delivered speeches/presentations on the theme.  The webinar started with the recitation of few verses of the Holy Quran.

Prof Dr Zahid Anwar, Director, China Study center, University of Peshawar welcomed the renowned scholars and other distinguished guests. He threw light on the purpose of the webinar and said that China and India are two important countries in the Asian continent and the two most populous states in the world as well. There is need to objectively analyze the nature of relationship between China and India. He further highlighted that unprecedented changes are taking place global and regionally and this is high time to discuss this important relationship in the context of BRI, CPEC, Trade War, Indo-Pacific Initiative, QUAD, SCO and BRICS.

Dr Talat Shabir, Director, China Pakistan Study Center, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad in his speech comprehensively dealt with broader theme of China India Relations. He was of the view that the current global political system is led by the USA and in this situation both China and USA is pursuing their respective interests.

There are convergences and divergences between China and India. The important divergences between China and India are border dispute, CPEC, the rising influence of China in the region and the unfolding Indo Pacific Strategy. India is opposing BRI and CPEC. India expects support from USA to counter BRI and CPEC. China is aware of USA attempts to contain China. USA considers India important for containing China globally and regionally. China is following the policy of win-win and economic development. China and India should launch a dialogue to resolve their disputes.

Dr Ghulam Ali, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering in his speech pointed out that a huge wisdom will be required to contain the conflict between China and India in the long run and India under PM Modi in this point in time lacks that wisdom.

Mr. Hasan Daud Butt, CEO, KPBIT in his presentation underlined that we live in unprecedented time and that in 2019 trade between China and India was around $90 billion. The industrial setup in India has not taken the shape the way they wanted especially under Modi regime.

COVID-19 showed the vulnerability of India where its economy is sliding down with much faster pace and that its inspiration and aspiration to become a military or economic power is also going down by the same speed.

On the other hand Chinese economy is rising in the post COVID era. He further highlighted that it would be momentous mistake by India to escalate the situation in Himalaya. Though India is not part of BRI but it is part of AAIB. China and India being members of BRICS are witnessing rise of Asia and both will not lose this chance.

Dr Minhas Majeed, Department of International Relations in her speech said that USA is trying to contain China and there is convergence of interests on this point between USA and India. She further underlined China India standoff in Himalaya and its implications for regional security. Indian aggressive moves in that region raise concern for the security of Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and CPEC.

China has an upper hand in this confrontation and in case India curtails its trade with China it will further harm its economy. The standoff between China and India brought the attention of International Community once again to the issue of Kashmir. Pakistan and China both have concern over the abrogation of Article 370 / 35A.

Ms. Farhat Asif, president Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Islamabad, in her presentation highlighted the relations between China and India in regional perspective.

She talked about India membership in SCO and the recent skirmishes in Ladakh area between the two countries. She underscored that recent development in the region highlighted once again the importance of the resolution of Kashmir dispute.

Sayed Ali Nawaz Gillani, Secretary General, Pakistan China Friendship Associations discussed the issue in historical l perspective.

He analyzed stand of India on Tibet issue Dalai Lama and the region at large. Although India is a member of SCO yet it has opposed CPEC, he said. Pakistan China relations are based on solid trust and it is very rightly called all weather friendship while India lacks that sort of iron-clad relationship with China.

Dr. Manzoor Afridi, Chairman, Department of Politics & IR, IIUI, in his presentation highlighted that India and China cannot ignore each other. USA and India are trying to curtain China. India and China have trade relations but they also have clash of interest. India opposed CPEC. He also brought to limelight the divergences between USA and China for example South China Sea, trade war, COVID-19 and BRI. USA and India are trying to contain BRI under the umbrella of Indo Pacific Strategy.

The webinar was attended by large number of students, internees, faculty and scholars. In the end Prof Dr Zahid Anwar, Director, China Study Center, University of Peshawar thanked all the participants especially the honorable speakers.

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Prof. Dr.  Zahid Anwar, Director, China Study Centre, University of Peshawar