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China aims to balance relations in South Asia

Between April 5 and April 12, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶) visited Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. It is clear that China is focusing on improving Sino-Indian and Sino-Pakistani relations.

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the US government has paid more attention to the South Asia region. In March last year, it designated Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally. In addition, it recently announced the decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan. This is indicative of the US attempt to restore the level of the US-Pakistan strategic partnership back to what it was at the end of the Cold War era.

On the other hand, the US has also expressed its willingness to provide India with advanced fighter aircraft and weapons, and stressed its drive to help India achieve a 21st century major power status. These developments have unnerved China.

First, Wen signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Pakistani officials during his visit to Islamabad. Article 4 of the treaty stands out, for it stipulates that neither side can join an alliance or union that will challenge the sovereignty, safety or territorial integrity of the other side or sign treaties of a similar nature with a third country. Since China and Pakistan long have reiterated that they have forged an all-weather and all-dimensional partnership, the signing of such a treaty seems rather unusual -- and indicates that bilateral ties are no longer strong.

This treaty is therefore a reflection of Beijing's unease over the growing signs of rapprochement between the US and Pakistan, and of its hopes that the treaty may consolidate ties with Islamabad.

Another noteworthy aspect is the impact that Wen's visit to India may have on Beijing-New Delhi relations. Wen pointed out that the achievements of the trip include the establishment of a strategic partnership aiming for a peaceful and prosperous relationship with India, the declaration of a five-year plan for Sino-Indian trade and economic development and the signing of an agreement on guiding principles to solve Sino-Indian border disputes.

What is also noteworthy is that Beijing plans to base Sino-Indian relations on bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Rather than the capital New Delhi, Wen chose Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India, as his first destination in India. He called for China and India to seek joint global leadership in the IT industry.

Regarding India's attempt to gain a UN Security Council seat, the two sides issued a joint statement saying that China understands and supports India's aspirations to play an active role in the UN and international affairs. According to a report by Agence France-Presse, India already possesses documents stating clearly that Beijing will support New Delhi's bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council.

Because of Pakistan's opposition to India's attempt, China does not want to clearly state its support of India. But the statements from Beijing are close to India's own position. This means that Beijing would support India but not Japan for a seat on the UN Security Council if the council decides to increase its permanent membership.

Following the Cold War, Beijing has adopted a strategy of maintaining a diplomatic balance in its dealings with South Asian countries. On the one hand, it is seeking to maintain its strategic partnership with Islamabad. On the other hand, it is hoping to strengthen ties with New Delhi to prevent any possibility of a US-Indian alliance. Wen's recent trip to South Asia has reconfirmed Beijing's strategy.

Fang Tien-sze is an assistant research fellow with the Cross-Strait Interflow Prospect Foundation.

Translated by DANIEL CHENG
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