BRIEF REPORT
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)
and The Association of Asia Scholars (AAS) jointly organised a three day
International conference titled “Emerging China:
Prospects for partnership in Asia” on November 21-23, 2009 at
historic Sapru House in New Delhi.
This Conference drew inspiration from the historical contribution of the
Asian Relations Conference organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs
in 1947. ICWA and the Association of Asia Scholars have jointly undertaken
to revive the same spirit by organizing a Series of Conferences on Asian
Relations. About 250 delegates,
including Scholars, Diplomats, Government Officials and others both from
India and 15 other
countries, attended the conference.
November 21, 2009 (Saturday)
The Inaugural session:
The Vice President of India,
Shri Hamid Ansari, inaugurated the conference. Mr. Sudhir T. Devare, Director
General ICWA welcomed all the invitees and spoke of the vision of the
founders of ICWA when it was set up in 1943 under the direction of India’s first
Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The
Indian Council of World Affairs was instituted as the flag-bearer for
Nehru’s dream project of building an Asian Relations Organization. Under the leadership of Sarojini Naidu, ICWA
held the epoch-making Asian Relations Conference in April 1947 (before
India’s independence),
which has since been an important subject of successive historical and
philosophical introspections on the recent history of Asian relations.
Cambridge History records Nehru stressing that India was “the natural center and focal point of
many forces at work in Asia.” Mr. Devare underlined the imperative of forging
greater understanding among the countries of Asia
and the conference of 2009 was being viewed as the first in a series of
Conferences on Asian relations.
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Delivering the inaugural address, Hon’ble
Shri Hamid Ansari pointed out the need for an active partnership
between New Delhi and Beijing with mutual sensitivity to each other’s
concerns for stability, security and prosperity. He said “economic cooperation between us becomes a principle driver of
our strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity. Yet,
cooperation doesn’t preclude competition”. He also reminded the audience
of the need to “readjust our theoretical models of state behaviour” in
the post cold war world.
Dilating on conceptual frameworks,
he explained the nature of partnerships in Asia
as being of four types. The first
one is of “Asian regionalism” like GCC, SAARC, and SCO. The second form
of partnership, he continued, has been through inter-regional dialogue
forums like Asia-Europe Meeting and APEC. The third framework is one of
global and multilateral organisations. The fourth framework is that of
bilateral relations between countries of Asia.
He attributed the future weight and the success of Asia
to the sum of the success of each of the above-mentioned national and
regional components and the tenacity of their inter-linkages.
Prof.
Swaran Singh, President, Association of Asia scholars, briefly introduced
the theme of the conference and proposed a vote of thanks.
THE
SESSIONS:
The participants presented papers and
structured the discussion along the following themes on the first two
days :
·
Multilateral and Strategic Equations in Emerging Asia
·
China’s Efforts to drive
Asian Regionalism: Towards Multi-Layered Engagement in Regional Cooperation
·
Regional Cooperation: China in East Asian Trends
·
Engaging China:
Perspectives across Asia
·
China and India in the Political Landscape of Asia
·
China and India: Alliances
and partnerships
·
Locating China
in the future of Asia: Recommendations
THE
FIRST SESSION
In the first session chaired by Ambassador Brajesh Mishra, “Multilateral
& Strategic equations in Emerging Asia”, the unfolding trends and
patterns of relationships between the countries in Asia
and with other great powers and the opportunities and the threats to the
region were discussed. There was a consensus among the participants that
both India and China
play a crucial role in emerging Asia.
The role of USA,
ASEAN and the prospects and problems for multilateralism were greatly
emphasized. It was discussed that the east-ward movement of power from
the west as well as the rise of non-Western states transformed the unipolar
world but the multilateral world would take time to be established. The
historical baggage of interstate relationships, threats of hegemony at
the regional level and domestic unrest were mentioned as the stumbling
blocks in this regard.
The five papers presented in this session
were
(i)
“American perspectives in emerging Asian
Relations trends” by Prof Satu
Lamaye
(ii)
Asian Multilateralism& Engagement
of great powers by Prof. Aileen
Baviera
(iii)
Soft Power and Foreign Policy: Emerging
China and impact on India
by Dr
Christian Wagner
(iv)
The strategic challenges and opportunities
in Asia by Prof. Brahma Chellaney
(v)
China- India strategic interaction: Geopolitical
Dimensions and Confidence
Building initiatives
by Prof. Zhang Li
The first paper by Prof Satu Limaye highlighted USA’s
engagement with the countries of Asia.
Maintenance of constructive ties with China, India, commitment to ASEAN,
positive efforts to engage with Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia
and other countries were mentioned as the key areas that determine US
engagement with region. The paper extensively dealt with “structural challenges”
that confront the U.S.
in its interaction with Asia. Managing
changes in key US regional alliances like Japan, Republic of Korea, sustaining
the rapprochement with countries like Vietnam, Myanmar etc, Institutionalising
US engagement with ASEAN, participating in developing Asian multilateralism
and related issues would further impact on the United States in this regard.
Professor Limaye also brought out the clear leverage China
has over the United
States.
The second paper by Prof. Aileen Baviera focused on how ASEAN had become a central player in the revival
of multilateral institutions, primarily by acting as an institutional
and norm entrepreneur for innovative regional arrangements that were intended
to promote prosperity and enhance stability and order in the face of changing
security challenges and shifting power configurations. The paper also
highlighted “ASEAN way of Multilateralism”, which operates at two levels-
as a frame work for relations among its member states, and as a platform
for ASEAN’s collective ties with other countries and regions of the world. Failure to respond collectively to crises, lack
of pro-active role, and little sense of “we - feeling” were mentioned
as some of the shortcomings in ASEAN’s multilateral mechanism.
The third paper by Dr Christian Wagner demonstrated the scope and the limitations of
the soft power capabilities of India
and China.
Democratic traditions, Indian Government initiatives in the post economic
reforms like Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), campaigns like “India
Everywhere”, film festivals, ICCR activities remain the strong tools in
India’s campaign.
Nehru’s initiatives like Non Aligned Movement (NAM), the Gujral doctrine,
and the most recent initiatives like reconstructive activities in Afghanistan were mentioned as some of the main
initiatives undertaken by India
in this regard. In the wake of China’s
growing importance in the South Asian region the paper called for new
strategies by India
with a strong emphasis on soft power.
The fourth presentation by Prof. Brahma Chellaney brought out the
strategic challenges and opportunities in Asia.
The rapid pace of change was mentioned as the trigger that caused the
shift of political and economic powers and national security calculus.
Quoting Gunnar Myrdal’s ‘Asian Drama”, Chellaney described today’s Asia
as opposite to what Myrdal depicted in that book and added, “now it is
the ground for rapid growth and transformation.” Dismissing the last two
centuries dominated by western powers as an exception and not the rule,
he cautioned Asia to “transform capacities
into capabilities” in order to realise an Asian Century.
The paper highlighted issues as the historical baggage, nationalism,
building political homogeneity, common norms, regional geo - politics,
domestic unrest as well as overall development of the region as some of
the challenges for Asia to grapple with.
The final paper of the session by Prof. Zhang Li presented an unambiguous
picture of the strategic implications of India’s rise. Taking pragmatic and
flexible policy options in addressing the border problem, respecting core
interests and security sensitivities, practicing mutual accommodation,
enhancing transparency and predictability of their respective strategies
in South Asia, developing non-confrontational regional agenda to deal
with each other were some of the recommendations made in the presentation
for the peaceful coexistence of the countries in Asia.
Shri
Brajesh Mishra gave the final comments of the session. He felt that in the
last couple of years the bilateral situation in India- China relations
seemed to have deteriorated. Reminiscing his interaction with Chairman
Mao, Mishra reminded the participants of the need for strong “bilateral
relationships before entering into multilateral engagements”. He also
pointed out that the mutual accommodation and complimenting each other’s
interests would yield a substantial amount of positive results in enhancing
mutual understanding for India and China to “become friends again”.
SECOND
SESSION:
Ambassador Ong Keng Yong chaired
this session. Prof. Manoranjan
Mohanty was the discussant. Four papers presented in this session
were:
(i)
China’s
Efforts to drive Asian Regionalism: Towards Multi-Layered Engagement in
Regional Cooperation by Liu, Fu-Kuo
(ii)
China’s
new patterns of relationship with East Asia-
post Financial Crisis by Dr Sarah
Tong
(iii)
Rising China:
A factor for regional cooperation in Asia
by Prof. Hu Shisheng
(iv)
The role of ASEAN in Asian integration:
A perspective on China
and India by Mr.
Meidyatama Suryodiningrat
The
efforts at regional, sub regional and bilateral level by China and ASEAN were discussed. The
soft power strategy was mentioned as the centre stage for strengthening
the relations among the ASEAN countries. The participants were unanimous
in their views that in the post Asian financial crisis there is an opportunity
for a constructive engagement. ‘Creative Multilateralism’ was suggested
as the way for democratic cooperation
in the emerging world.
The first paper of the session by Prof.
Liu, Fu-Kuo focused on the
dynamic approach towards multi-layered cooperation and the manner in which
China succeeded.
China’s
centralised political system, economic capability, booming market etc
were quoted as the main reasons in this regard. The paper also demonstrated
how the rise of china is the fulcrum on which the regional dynamics revolved.
In his words, “that dynamic has become China-driven and China centred”. A stable US-China
relationship was prescribed as the way for arrival of the “Asian community”.
The second paper by Dr Sarah Tong dealt with the economic
rise of China
in the post financial crisis and its repercussions on the East Asian region.
China was described
as the “dragon-head of the East Asian economies” and the future groupings
in the region were predicted as being Sino-centric. The paper also asserted
that China transformed
the labels of “Made in Asia into Made in China”. However, questions were raised
with regard to China’s
ability to sustain its current growth levels, in addition to its relations
with other East Asian states and its future role in the global landscape.
The
third paper of the session by Prof. Hu Shisheng delineated the
manner in which rising China could enhance
the prospects for partnership with other countries. This was in terms
of improving relations between India
and China, continued
domestic development, stable bilateral relations and a peaceful South
Asia - Indian Ocean community for forging long-term partnership.
The presenter suggested that by cultivating sagacious understanding and
perceptions toward Sino-India partnership, by establishing regional integrated
production and marketing networks as well as by building physical connectivity
between China and India, benefits were sure to accrue to both India and China.
The final paper of the session by Mr.
Meidyatama Suryodiningrat centred
on ASEAN’s role in Asian integration. ASEAN
was described as an interlocutor in the East Asian region. Mention
was made about the new proposals put forth by Australia,
Japan
and other countries for a new regional security framework which may not
be ASEAN driven. India’s
role in order to integrate the region was described as crucial and added
that Indonesia looked to India for cooperation and understanding
on several basic values such as democracy, religious tolerance, and socio-economic
development.
Prof.
Manoranjan Mohanty commented that it was because of the
western media’s exaggeration that the “unique situation now being seen
in Asia is described as China,
India’s rise”.
He asserted that Tagore’s notion of Asia as a “Civilizational entity”
and Nehru’s idea of Panchsheel should be the guiding principles for China
and India
in the future. He suggested “creative Multilateralism” as a way of International
democratic Cooperation in the emerging world.
SESSION
THREE:
Five papers were presented in the last
session of the day. Ambassador A.P. Venkateswaran chaired the session. The papers presented were:
(i)
Future of EAS and the role of China by Ambassador Ong Keng Yong
(ii)
A Cold peace: China in the Minds
of Japanese policy makers by Prof.
Tomohiko Taniguchi
(iii)
Korean perspective on China: Personal
and National Perspectives by Prof.
Kim Do-hee
(iv)
An Analysis of the significance of the
rising of China and
India from International
relations Perspective by Dr. Zhiyong
Hu
(v)
Between the dragon and the Elephant: Malaysia’s strategic
options and outlook by Dr. Siew-Mun
Tang.
The future of East Asia as a creative
mechanism, the role of Japan
in the changing contours as its lead role being threaded by China and the significance of the rise of China and India for international relations
were broadly discussed. The consequences of the rise of China and India
on Malaysia
were deliberated upon. Strategies including the soft power approach, the
multilateral frame works, and sustainable cooperation in non-traditional
areas were suggested to improve the cooperation among Asian countries.
The first paper by Ambassador Ong Keng Yong explained about the East Asian Summit (EAS)
as a creative forum for managing the complex aspects of cultural, economic,
ethnic, political relationships in a dynamic and strategic part of the
world. The paper acknowledged India’s role in EAS from the beginning
in providing “intellectual and Practical inputs” in developing the organisation.
Nalanda project under EAS was mentioned as an “unprecedented venture for
Inter-Civilizational dialogue” and the testimony of what India can offer
towards the stronger East Asian Community. He called upon India to play an even greater role in East Asia.
The second paper by Prof. Tomohiko Taniguchi outlined the
changing dynamics in China
- Japan’s relations
and the emerging prospects for India.
In the author’s opinion, it was imperative that India
take up a proactive stand vis-à-vis Japan and intensify its relations
so that the latter would assume significance in the Asian context. Summit- level diplomacy, frequent visits and exchanges of
academics and officials as well as Indo- Japanese joint maritime training
exercises were suggested to strengthen the existing links between India and Japan.
The third paper by Prof. Kim Do- hee described the status of Chinese studies in South Korea. The
paper presented conclusions drawn from the oral history of senior scholars.
On the positive side of the evolution of Chinese studies in Korea,
the paper showed that the quality and quantity of Chinese studies had
increased while the negative element remained to be of concern. The focus
of the studies by Korean scholars was narrow, confined mainly on current
Chinese history like Chinese Cultural Revolution and the model of socialism,
thus neglecting the ancient dynamics of the Chinese society. These were
mentioned as areas to grapple with.
The fourth paper by Dr. Zhiyong Hu analysed the features of
both rising China and
rising India.
Terming India-China cooperation as much more than competition and its
developing trend as “mutual benefits and Win-Win”, the paper pointed out
that these emerging giants have a great stake for peace and development
of Asia and the world.
The last paper of the day and the session
by Dr. Siew-Mun Tang analysed
the re-emergence of two historical powers - China
and India and its implications
to small countries like Malaysia. The paper contended that
Malaysia viewed developments in China and India
positively, and its interests lie in co-opting Beijing
and New Delhi’s
interest into the larger regional framework, with emphasis on multilateral
cooperation. However the challenge for Malaysia was to create the space and
opportunities in the Southeast Asian region for both powers to pursue
their interests peacefully and to avoid marginalising either of the two
powers.
DAY
2: 22nd November 2009
SESSION
FOUR:
The fourth session chaired by Ambassador A.N. Ram, had four papers.
They were
(i)
A Case of No Confidence: My Views on India-
China Relations by Dr. Tansen Sen
(ii)
China in
the early decades of 21st century: positions and Challenges
by Prof. Phung Thi Hue
(iii)
Emerging China Prospects for partnership
in Asia- A perspective from Sri Lanka by Ambassador Nihal Rodrigo
(iv)
Singapore China Relations
by Prof. Jean-Louis Margolin
The
participants were of opinion that India’s
relations with China
had strong historical linkages centred on economic interactions and religious
contacts. These are significant drivers for cooperation between the two
nations thus reducing the possibilities of conflict. Both India
and China
have coexisted peacefully for about 2500 years barring two years of conflict
and these trends are indeed very encouraging for the future of their bilateral
relations. Both sides should focus on issues where there is convergence
particularly in areas such as Doha
round of trade talks, climate change, terrorism, extremism and separatism.
These convergences have the potential to overcome mistrust and could form
the basis for a strategic architecture in Asia.
The
first paper of the session by Dr. Tansen Sen pointed out the lack
of confidence between New Delhi and Beijing and insisted on
the need for the creation of trust and confidence on both sides to improve
bilateral relations on various issues. The cultural route was suggested
as the best way in this regard. The paper emphasised the necessity of
understanding and the need for the qualitative research on China
studies in India.
The
second paper by Prof. Phung Thi
Hue outlined China’s
initial years in the 21st century and described possible challenges
ahead. While complimenting major socio-economic developments of China, its status in Asia, and its expanding practical
influence in the region, the paper cautioned that social issues, administrating
and operating mode of the state apparatus as well as managing the international
factor in the form of the Taiwan
issue would cast a shadow on China’s
positive characteristics.
The
third paper by Ambassador Nihal Rodrigo brought out the Sri Lankan
perspective on the scope of partnership in the context of emerging China. The paper touched upon various dimensions of
cooperation between Sri Lanka
and China.
The strategic location of Sri Lanka
that makes it important in the significance of maritime trade to India and China was mentioned as key factor.
All issues of convergence and divergence from terrorism to tourism as
well as domestic to the international were mentioned to depict the strengths
in the relationship between China
and Sri Lanka.
The
last paper of the session by
Prof. Jean-Louis Margolin analysed the long history of Chinese presence
in Singapore and its impact on the bilateral relations
of two countries, India
and China. It also reminded the participants that the dose
of scepticism despite the most impressive trends would continue to prevail.
However, it was mentioned that this factor didn’t stop India’s presence and expanding ties with other
countries in Asia in recent times.
SESSION
FIVE:
The Fifth session Chaired by Prof. John Garver, had five papers titled:
(i)
Regional Security Architecture: Indian
and Chinese positions by Prof.
D. S. Rajan
(ii)
A Rivalry? Think Twice. New Perspectives
on the Sino- Indian equation in Burma/
Myanmar
by Dr Renaud Egreteau
(iii)
The Chinese Studies That defend Chineseness:
The Im/possibility of China Centrism in the divided Sino-phone world by
Prof. Shih, Chih-yu
(iv)
South Asian perspectives of rising China by Prof. S.D. Muni
(v)
Rising China,
Emerging India and Japan’s
evolving Asian policy by Ishida
Yasuyuki
It
was pointed out that China’s
economic strength, military capabilities, and veto power in the United
Nations Security Council places it ahead of India. It is important for both India and China
to harness their historical, cultural, economic, religious roots and both
sides have the responsibility to work towards a prosperous Asia.
The
first paper of the session by Prof.
D. S. Rajan discussed the evolving regional security architecture
in the Asia Pacific region. In this context, it stated that Beijing
would be interested to lead the architecture while Japan
and other South East Asian nations would prefer the US to lead the architecture. India, the paper viewed, would be interested in
giving equal importance to confidence building with China
and strengthening partnership with the United
States, besides getting closer to other regional
powers with clouts like Japan
and ASEAN.
The
second paper by Dr Renaud Egreteau
brought out the new perspectives on the Sino-Indian equation in Myanmar and showed how despite the expanding influences
of China and India in Myanmar, there remained tremendous
scope for cooperation. Dismissing the question of India- China rivalry
through Myanmar, the paper depicted that there was a sense
of discomfort in Myanmar
for both China and
India and a coordinated
approach was recommended for mutual benefit for both countries.
The
third paper by Prof. Shih, Chih-yu
dwelt with the Im/possibility of China centrism in the divided Sino-phone
world. The social science theoretical perspectives and the western parameters
were dismissed as inadequate tools to study Chinese society. The paper
further showed that Chinese studies among overseas Chinese scholars are
political and value-laden, each being embedded in the epistemological
context.
The
fourth paper by Prof. S.D. Muni
highlighted the way in which interests of countries drive perceptions.
In addition, the location of South Asia in relation to China
as an isolated territory shaped China’s
policy. In relation to China,
South Asia was described to have relations
on the following broad parameters. First
category is one of all friends’. Pakistan
and Bangladesh
are included in this criterion as they maintain close and cordial relations.
The second broad parameter is pursuing China as strategic asset. The same countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan were included in this category
as well. The third category is India,
which perceives China
as a mix of both. Prof. Muni was of the opinion that China was seen in the region as a
regime protector and an economic opportunity. However, with respect to
the security arena, countries’ preferences radically changed. In Prof.
Muni’s words, “the countries said yes when it comes to China being a defence provider but
No when it comes to military protector.”
The
last paper of the session by Dr. Ishida Yasuyuki dealt with Japan’s Evolving
Asia’s policy. Japan’s
ties with US were mentioned as being of critical importance not only for
its own security but also for Japan-US relations and Japan’s relations with countries in
the Asian region.
SESSION
SIX:
Ambassador Nihal Rodrigo chaired
this session. Four papers presented in the session were
(i)
The Emerging International China-India
Division of labour and India’s
quest for Status parity and security with China by Prof John Garver
(ii)
China, India and the
South Korean Choice by Prof Chung-in
Moon
(iii)
Where are India-China relations heading:
Futuristic Outlook by Ambassador
Ranjit Gupta and
(iv)
Emerging China: Nepalese Perspective by Dr Mohan Lohani
“China and India: Alliances and Partnerships”
was the theme of the Sixth session. It dealt with the complexities as
well as the strengths and weaknesses of the two countries. The panellists
were of the view that both sides were required to think beyond narrow
national interests and forge a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious relationship,
which would be critical for the future of Asia.
Such an understanding would prevent any mistrust between the two neighbours.
The
first paper of the session by Prof
John Garver dealt with the security parity between India
and China.
The paper demonstrated the strengths, weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages
that two countries enjoy in the international arena. It concluded that
China’s continuing lead over India in industry,
technology, and hard power would lead to continuing rivalry for status
between these two countries.
The
second paper by Prof Chung-in Moon
focussed on Korea’s
choices in the wake of emerging China
and India.
The asymmetries were clear in the fact that South
Korea had maintained historical, cultural ties and
geographical distance had blocked its access to India. China
remained critical to Korea
even in strategic and trade points of view where as the relationship with
India was still
evolving.
The
third paper of the session by Ambassador
Ranjit Gupta described the current status of relationship between
India and China as anything but cordial. Focussing
on the bilateral relations, the paper highlighted that “throughout history
China’s
rulers have been farsighted and conscious of the future”. Its approach
towards India “has been
very different from the tactics it has used with the rest of the world”.
The paper concludes “the single really important bilateral issue relates
to Dalai Lama”.
The
fourth paper by Dr. Mohan Lohani brought the Nepalese perspective
on Emerging China. The Chinese market in line with its commitment to WTO
as well as the constructive role of China
in the maintenance of stability in South Asia
were pointed out as the areas of convergence between two countries.
SESSION SEVEN:
The session was chaired by Ambassador K.S. Bajpai, Two papers presented
in this session:
(i)
Coping with asymmetries in Asia by India and China by Ambassador C.V. Ranganathan,
(ii)
The shifting balance of Power and China-
India relations in Asia by Prof Zhang Guihong. Prof. Satu Limaye also expressed his views
briefly in this session.
The seventh session, “Locating China in
Future of Asia: Recommendations” discussed the asymmetries that underline
the relationship between India
and China.
The panellists underlined the following: India
and China
share a complex neighbourhood; Both need to learn from each other’s experiences
and also share common approaches of friendly relations with their respective
neighbours. The Joint Vision Document unveiled in 2008 between India and China could be a start point in that
direction
In his brief remarks Prof. Satu Limaye
maintained that broad areas of interest brought Washington
close to Beijing unlike any other country
in Asia. Issues linked with Cambodia,
Myanmar and Vietnam as well as engagement with global issues
like economic interaction and their significant stature made the two countries-USA
and China
important allies.
The first paper by Ambassador C.V. Ranganathan provided deep insights into the asymmetries
in India - China’s capabilities.
The contemporary history of relations was marked by mutual unease, lack
of trust and existence of mutual suspicion. The vision document signed
by the two premiers was hailed as the guiding document for future relations
between China and India.
The second paper of the session by Prof Zhang Guihong highlighted the shifting
balance of power and China- India relations. The paper mentioned that
in the present times the balance of power was in favour of China and India
would need to devise comprehensive strategies and achieve remarkable development
to match the growth of China
and/or over take China.
CONCLUDING
SESSION:
Delivering
the valedictory address to a packed audience, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs
noted “The government of India
does not view China
or China's development
as a threat of any kind,”
Dr
Tharoor also observed that there is enormous space for both India and China to rise peacefully and both
will have to revisit their civilizational path to further strengthen relations
and to pursue their enlightened national interests.
The
highlight of the concluding session was a narrative by Shri L.C. Jain who had participated in the 1947 Asian Relations Conference.
Shri Jain recounted the spirit and vision of the newly independent India led by Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru. Dr Reena Marwah,
Secretary General of AAS, read out a brief report of the conference proceedings
and proposed a vote of thanks.
DAY
THREE: 23rd November 2009
China Studies in India
SESSION
ONE:
Prof. Shih Chih-yu chaired the first session of the day. Three papers presented
in the session were
(i)
Sino- India Rapprochement and China Studies in India by Prof Swaran Singh
(ii)
Tibet as
a factor Impacting China
Studies in India
by Dr. Sharad Soni and Dr Reena
Marwah
(iii)
Taiwan in
China Studies in India by Abanti Bhattacharya.
The first paper by Prof. Swaran Singh critically evaluated the status of Chinese studies
in India. Based on the conclusions, drawn from the oral
interviews with the senior Chinese Scholars in India, the paper brought
broad observations on the following lines, viz. the continued dichotomy
between linguists and social science scholars, Chinese studies being confined
to higher education, the gulf of perspectives. It was mentioned that the
young group are cautious optimists and are interested in taking a more
complex view of the reality. Addressing the issue of inadequacies of teaching
tools and curriculum, sustaining the Chinese scholars, checking the duplication
in research, interfacing of government and Chinese scholars and celebration
of Icons of the Chinese studies in India
were some of the measures suggested to overcome the above mentioned inadequacies.
The Second paper jointly written by Dr Shard Soni and Dr Reena Marwah analysed that Tibet
has always been a significant factor impacting China
studies in India
in general and India-China relations in particular. The paper viewed that
the outcome of the dialogue between China
and Dalai Lama or his government- in- exile would have a direct impact
on both border talks and overall relations between New
Delhi and Beijing.
The paper called for the need to find out the middle ground for the final
solution of the Sino -Tibetan stalemate.
The third paper by Dr Abanti Bhattacharya dwelt with the Taiwan
factor in China studies
in India. The paper
depicted three broad trends in Taiwan’s
studies in India.
One as a sub-field of Chinese studies, second its being largely a conference
driven phenomena and thirdly it being propelled by the China challenge.
SESSION
TWO:
The second session, chaired by Dr.
Lourdes Salvador, had three papers titled:
(i)
Role of Cheena - Bhavan in India’s China
Studies by Dr Avijit Banerjee
(ii)
Rural Industrialisation in China Studies in India by Dr Sanjeev Kumar
(iii)
India’s
China Studies and the Chinese Development Model by Dr T.G. Suresh.
The first paper analysed the role of Cheena-
Bhavan in making China
studies flourish in India.
The paper attributed the awakening of Sino-Indian cultural renaissance
in the 20th century as mainly due to the vision and efforts
of Tagore and Prof.Tan Yunshan.
The second paper brought out the significance
of rural industrialisation in China’s
overall development and the growth of Township & village councils
and their role in providing an economic and social stability in China’s countryside.
The third paper demonstrated the complex
challenges in studying Chinese studies in India. On the Chinese development
model the paper suggested that there is need to study the five disparities
existing in China
to understand the comprehensively.
SESSION
THREE:
Chaired by Prof. G. P. Deshpande, the last session of the conference had three
presentations. They were titled:
(i)
Buddhism and China
Studies in India
by Dr Anita Sharma
(ii)
The Place of Chinese Language in India’s China
Studies by Dr. B.R. Deepak
The first paper focussed on how Buddhism
had been a constant and positive thread in India’s
imaginations and studies on China.
The paper further looked into various scholarly works and their impact
in spreading the Chinese studies right from poet Rabindranath Tagore till
the most recent scholars.
The second paper dealt extensively into
the historical evolution of Chinese studies in India
right from its inception in Calcutta
University till the
recent initiatives. It also demonstrated the evolution of China’s language in India under four broad phases. Speaking
briefly Ambassador Sahai underlined the need for a coordinated strategy
between India and China to make
the 21st century an Asian century.The concluding address was
delivered by Ambassador Shri Sudhir
T. Devare, DG, ICWA. He called
for the revival of the “Asian spirit” which is centred on humanity. He
recalled the inaugural address of the Vice President of India and the
Valedictory Address of Minister of State for External Affairs and urged
for an imperative of bringing in pragmatism in India
- China relations.
Converging areas and interests like G-20 and Climate change were suggested
to take as ground realities and forge positive relations. He also thanked all the participants of the
conference and presented mementoes to the foreign delegates.
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