India-China Relations & LAC — Set 15
International Relations · भारत-चीन संबंध और LAC · Questions 141–150 of 160
India's QUAD Vaccine Initiative committed to producing COVID vaccines primarily to counter:
Correct Answer: B. China's 'vaccine diplomacy' in Indo-Pacific
The QUAD Vaccine Initiative, announced at the first QUAD Leaders' Summit in 2021, committed to producing and distributing 1 billion COVID vaccines by end of 2022 across the Indo-Pacific. It was explicitly designed as an alternative to China's 'vaccine diplomacy' where China used vaccines as geopolitical leverage in the region. India's Serum Institute was the primary manufacturer.
India's concern about Nepal's new map (2020) claiming Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura is related to India-China dynamics because:
Correct Answer: B. China encouraged Nepal to assert claims against India as part of its India encirclement strategy
Nepal's 2020 new map claiming Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura as Nepali territory is seen as partly encouraged by China's strategy of using India's neighbours to apply pressure. Nepal and China had deepened ties through BRI, hydropower deals, and the 2020 Nepal-China bilateral which countered Nepal's traditionally special relationship with India. India rejected Nepal's map claims.
India's rejection of RCEP had specific protections for which sector that India feared Chinese competition in most?
Correct Answer: B. Both manufacturing (especially electronics, steel) and dairy/agriculture against Chinese competition
India's rejection of RCEP included concerns about both the manufacturing sector (particularly electronics, steel, textiles facing Chinese competition) and the agricultural/dairy sector facing New Zealand/Australian competition. India also lacked adequate safeguards against Chinese goods being dumped via ASEAN countries. The trade deficit concern with China was central to India's decision.
The Aksai Chin area is approximately how large?
Correct Answer: B. 38,000 sq km
Aksai Chin is approximately 38,000 sq km of high-altitude desert plateau. India claims it as part of Ladakh UT, while China administers it as part of Xinjiang's Hotan District. The area is at an average altitude of 5,000 meters and was described as 'not a blade of grass grows there' — which Nehru controversially said when questioned about it.
India's 'Defence Corridor' established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu is aimed at:
Correct Answer: B. Developing domestic defence manufacturing to reduce Chinese import dependence
India's Defence Corridors in Uttar Pradesh (Bundelkhand) and Tamil Nadu were established to develop domestic defence manufacturing hubs. They are aimed at reducing dependence on imports including from China. These corridors host companies manufacturing bullets, tanks, aircraft components, and electronics. They are part of the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative.
India's 'Gujral Doctrine' (1996) which focused on non-reciprocal concessions to smaller neighbours is relevant to India-China context because:
Correct Answer: B. It built goodwill in South Asia to prevent China filling the space through BRI investments
The Gujral Doctrine (1996), articulated by PM I.K. Gujral, advocated India giving non-reciprocal concessions to smaller South Asian neighbours to build goodwill. In the India-China context, building robust relationships with Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan serves to prevent China from using these countries as pressure points against India. The doctrine's spirit informs modern 'Neighbourhood First Policy.'
The 'Corridor of uncertainty' concept in India-China military standoffs describes:
Correct Answer: B. Areas where both sides' patrols overlap creating friction potential
The 'Corridor of uncertainty' describes areas along the LAC where both Indian and Chinese patrols overlap because of differing perceptions of where the LAC lies. These overlapping patrol areas create potential friction points. Managing these areas requires the CBM protocols established in 1993, 1996, and 2005 agreements, including pre-established patrol limits and behavior protocols.
India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically relevant to India-China competition because they:
Correct Answer: B. Can control the Malacca Strait through which China's energy imports pass
India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically positioned near the Malacca Strait, through which approximately 80% of China's oil imports pass. India's military capability from these islands could potentially interdict Chinese energy supplies in a conflict scenario, giving India significant strategic leverage over China. This is known as the 'Malacca Dilemma' for China.
The India-China 'Doklam to Galwan' trajectory (2017-2020) demonstrated:
Correct Answer: B. China's persistent strategy of testing India's resolve at multiple points
The trajectory from Doklam (2017) to Galwan (2020) demonstrated China's persistent strategy of incrementally testing India's strategic resolve. Despite diplomatic resolution of Doklam, China returned with larger-scale Ladakh intrusions in 2020. This pattern convinced India that stronger military deterrence, infrastructure development, and international partnerships were necessary responses.
India's response to Chinese infrastructure build-up near LAC has been to:
Correct Answer: B. Accelerate own border infrastructure (roads, tunnels, airstrips) and match military positioning
India's response to Chinese infrastructure build-up near the LAC has been to accelerate its own border infrastructure through BRO, NHIDCL, and other agencies. This includes roads like DSDBO, tunnels like Zoji La and Sela, and airstrips like DBO. Post-2020, India also deployed additional troops, artillery, and advanced equipment to Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh permanently.