India-China Relations & LAC — Set 16
International Relations · भारत-चीन संबंध और LAC · Questions 151–160 of 160
The 'China-India' relationship is described by EAM Jaishankar as:
Correct Answer: B. The defining bilateral relationship of the 21st century that will shape the world
EAM S. Jaishankar has described India-China as 'the defining bilateral relationship of the 21st century.' He has noted that the world will be fundamentally shaped by how these two most populous nations with ancient civilizations manage their relationship. The relationship combines deep competition with necessary cooperation in multilateral forums.
The 'Malacca Dilemma' is a strategic vulnerability for China because:
Correct Answer: B. China imports 80% of its oil through the Malacca Strait which India could threaten from Andaman Islands
The 'Malacca Dilemma' refers to China's strategic vulnerability of importing approximately 80% of its oil through the narrow Malacca Strait. India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands command the approaches to this strait. This gives India significant leverage over China in any conflict scenario. China's 'String of Pearls' strategy partly aims to develop alternative routes (Gwadar, Kyaukpyu) to reduce this vulnerability.
India and China are both members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India became a full SCO member in:
Correct Answer: B. 2017
India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at the Astana Summit in June 2017, alongside Pakistan. The SCO, founded in 2001, is headquartered in Beijing with China as the dominant member. India's SCO membership gives it a platform to engage China and Russia multilaterally while managing geopolitical tensions.
In the context of India-China border dispute, the 'perception gap' on the LAC is largest in which sector?
Correct Answer: B. Western sector (Ladakh) with Depsang dispute
The perception gap is largest in the Western sector (Ladakh), particularly in the Depsang Plains and sub-sector areas. The Depsang dispute involves India and China having dramatically different views of where the LAC lies, with China claiming areas well beyond what India's 1993/1996 agreements suggest. This large perception gap was the hardest to resolve in post-2020 negotiations.
India's stand on the South China Sea disputes, while not being a claimant, is that:
Correct Answer: B. All nations have freedom of navigation and UNCLOS must be respected
India's position on the South China Sea is that all nations have freedom of navigation and overflight under international law, and UNCLOS must be respected. India supports the 2016 Arbitration Tribunal ruling that China's Nine-Dash Line has no legal basis. This position is part of India's broader support for rules-based international order against unilateral Chinese claims.
Post-2020, India has permanently deployed additional forces in Ladakh. The total number of additional troops deployed is estimated at:
Correct Answer: B. 50,000+ additional troops
Post-2020, India permanently deployed approximately 50,000+ additional troops to Ladakh, along with additional artillery (including K9 Vajra howitzers), tanks (T-90), advanced air defence systems (Akash), and combat aircraft at Leh and Thoise airfields. This represents India's most significant military deployment on the China border since 1962. The deployment is not temporary — India is restructuring its entire Ladakh military architecture.
China's Western Theatre Command, which faces India, is headquartered at:
Correct Answer: B. Chengdu
China's Western Theatre Command, which faces India (and Central Asia), is headquartered at Chengdu in Sichuan Province. It commands PLA forces on the Sino-Indian border including those involved in the 2020 Ladakh standoff. Understanding China's Western Theatre Command structure is important for analyzing India-China military dynamics.
The first in-person QUAD Leaders' Summit was held in September 2021 in:
Correct Answer: B. Washington DC
The first in-person QUAD Leaders' Summit was hosted by US President Biden in Washington DC in September 2021. PM Modi, PM Morrison (Australia), and PM Suga (Japan) attended. Key outcomes included the QUAD Vaccine Initiative, QUAD Fellowship, and cooperation on critical technologies. China described QUAD as an 'exclusive clique' targeting China.
India's concern about Nepal's growing closeness to China (post-2017) includes:
Correct Answer: B. Nepal's BRI MoU, Trans-Himalayan connectivity, and Chinese influence in Nepali politics potentially surrounding India
The correct answer is Nepal's BRI MoU, Trans-Himalayan connectivity, and Chinese influence in Nepali politics potentially surrounding India. India's concerns about Nepal-China deepening include Nepal signing a BRI MoU (2017), Trans-Himalayan connectivity projects potentially giving China land access toward India, Chinese influence in Nepali politics, and Nepal's 2020 map controversy claiming Indian territories. China has used economic leverage (including infrastructure projects) to draw Nepal closer, complicating India's traditionally special relationship with Nepal. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
India's overall strategic framework toward China can be summarized as:
Correct Answer: B. Engage-Hedge-Balance: engage economically and multilaterally, hedge against Chinese aggression with military buildup and partnerships, balance Chinese power through Quad and strategic autonomy
The correct answer is Engage-Hedge-Balance: engage economically and multilaterally, hedge against Chinese aggression with military buildup and partnerships, balance Chinese power through Quad and strategic autonomy. India's China strategy is best described as 'Engage-Hedge-Balance': engage economically (trade despite deficit) and multilaterally (BRICS, SCO, G20), hedge against Chinese aggression through military modernization, border infrastructure, and strategic deterrence, and balance Chinese power through Quad, iCET, defence partnerships, and strategic autonomy. This nuanced approach allows India to manage a complex relationship without permanent conflict or capitulation. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.