The Dance of the Dragon and Rootlessness: China’s Complex Relationship with India
China’s relationship with India is one fraught with historical tensions and geopolitical maneuvering. The dragon and the elephant have long been engaged in a civilisational confrontation disguised as a border dispute. China’s objection to India goes beyond mere territorial ambitions; it is rooted in a deep-seated desire for dominance in Asia.
China’s history is marked by the destruction of its own civilisation in pursuit of power. Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution saw the eradication of traditional Chinese values and beliefs, leaving behind a nation driven by ideology rather than history. The concept of virtue was replaced by state machinery, leading to a nation devoid of poetry and soul.
In contrast, India has managed to preserve its ancient civilisation despite facing conquest and colonialism. Dharma, the moral and ethical principles that guide Indian society, emphasizes renewal rather than dominance. India’s strength lies in its resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and assertiveness in the South China Sea are all attempts to assert its centrality in the region. However, without the ethical foundations of its ancient systems, China’s power is merely a facade. India, on the other hand, embodies a different kind of power – one that does not seek domination but instead seeks to uphold its values and traditions.
Despite China’s attempts to encircle India through various means, India remains steadfast in its commitment to its civilisational roots. While China may have erased its past, India is actively rebuilding its own. In this clash of civilizations, India’s resilience and adherence to its values may prove to be its greatest strength in the face of Chinese aggression.
