An IPCS delegation led by the Director, IPCS, visited China from 21-27 November to participate in the Third Round of China-India-Germany Strategic Dialogue. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation supported the visit and the China Institute of International Studies hosted the event. The dialogue titled, "Challenges of Globalization and Political Response" was held from 22-23 November. Other high-level dialogues took place on subsequent days, including meetings with the Institute of National Strategic Studies of the National Defence University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The list of members of the team and the outline itinerary are at the end of the Report.

A brief report of the discussions at these meetings follows.

India has watched the developments in China and in the PLA with keen interest. Indian observers were present at the recent Sino-Russian joint exercises while Chinese observers witnessed the military exercises in India in November. Relations between the two countries therefore, have been cordial and friendly. Our border troops meet regularly in friendly conditions at several places along our frontier. However, the world today is not a very peaceful place. Threats of violence and terrorism face all nations. India has been a victim of these for over two decades, not merely after 9/11.

Questions & Answers:

Question: We have come a long way in cooperation, but what about communications along the sea-lanes? Have the two countries thought about cooperation in this area?
Answer: This is an area of growing focus, while the Indian Navy is improving this capability, so is China. China is building bigger ships and improving its infrastructure because China is increasingly dependent upon international trade. Perhaps in the future the two states could cooperate on this issue.

Question: A navy is necessary to protect trade, but China's growing naval prowess gives rise to concern in the region. Would not cooperation on issues such as protection of the Malacca Straits be a preferred option?
Answer: as far as China can see, both, India and China, are developing their naval power. But, India's plans are bigger, and the efforts are more effective. As far as communication along sea lanes are concerned, we have common concerns over surrounding areas. If one state worries only about its own interest, it will affect other countries. The Indian establishment of the Far East Command is worrying. Are there concerns from other countries like the US in this kind of establishment? Cooperation over Malacca Straits is a primary responsibility with South East Asia, so these countries should be considered first.

Question: China and India are both rising powers. When a powerful state begins to build up military resources, then this has the potential to be misunderstood by smaller neighbours. In such a situation, would it not be helpful to have a forum where intentions can be made clear and trust building is promoted?
Answer: Improvement of security structures is for peaceful purposes and in securing the interests of all states. Therefore, the suggestion of making intentions clear and engaging in trust building is one that is valuable.

Question: China is perceived differently when seen from abroad. There are two examples of this. First, is Taiwan - with 600 missiles directed at it - and the People's Congress' declaration of the possibility of use of force. This is not reassuring to the rest of the region or the world. The second is concerning North Korea. Although it is understood that China is concerned with developments in North Korea, what is the precise role of the Chinese Army in the issue? If North Korea does decide to test a nuclear device, it will destabilize the region. What can China do to dissuade Pyongyang to go down this road?
Answer: Taiwan is a big question. Relations between Taiwan and the mainland are improving, there are more governmental exchanges, and relations across straits are becoming better. Despite all this, Taiwan remains an important and complex issue. Taiwan has relations with the US and this has an impact on the security environment. Taiwan is an internal issue and China wants a peaceful resolution. Use of force is a last resort. Military positioning is for deterrence. Two hands - military and economic- are used differently for effective resolution of the issue. The international community understands China's position. Australia supports China, as do Germany and India. Military deployment will ensure a peaceful resolution of the issue.

As far as the Korean issue is concerned, it is not a military issue, therefore, there is little role for the PLA. There is a need for a diplomatic solution. Six-Party Talks have worked towards the elimination of a military solution and we now need to be patient for arrive at a lasting solution.

Question: How is China's naval strategy in the region viewed?
Answer: There are different levels of strategy. Naval strategy comes under military strategy and is aimed at protecting territory, way of life and air, sea, land links and economic interests. It also focuses on possible deterrents. To reduce potential threats cooperation with regional countries becomes necessary.

Comments:

• Sea-lanes are a global issue for the fastest growing trade zones are linked to sea-lanes of communication. It is thus an issue related to peace and stability in Southeast Asia as a whole. For India, the resolution of problems between China and Vietnam are a big step forward in maintaining stability in the region. Political developments in the region must also be looked at. Preserving security in the Straits of Malacca is important for both countries as are social and political problems in Indonesia.

• Sea-lanes are important for the whole world and for China. The main point is that China is making efforts to develop good relations with all the countries, especially those along sea-lane areas and not attempting to put military pressure on any state.

• India is now trying to possess three aircraft carriers. Sea-lanes are important not just for South Asia but the high seas are a shared responsibility. India has an advantage in the Indian Ocean that is recognized by even the US. In South Asia, it is important for countries themselves to develop their capabilities; India can assist them in doing this. The Indian Ocean is vital for Indian National Security, therefore, the developing of capabilities in this region will be decided upon by India alone. Similarly, the PLA is also rapidly evolving and doing what it deems necessary for security. Cooperation in the region, however, needs to be promoted.

• As far as Japan is concerned, its actions in the region need to be moderated. Maybe India can use its good relations to influence Tokyo. Japan could learn from Germany. Japan is challenging the basis of the anti-fascist war and this is a serious provocation for countries in Southeast Asia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (meeting with Mr. Du Qiwen, Director General, Department of Policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Questions and Answers:

Question: Does China feel the Six-Party Talks is headed in the right direction? What are the constraints to the resolution of the issues involved?
Answer: China is happy with the progress made within the framework of the Six-Party Talks. The partners in the talks have managed to address the issue of finding a peaceful solution through dialogue. Progress is encouraging. Two years ago, it was difficult to imagine that the process would come so far. Though discussion on specific issues has not begun, progress is being made and the feeling that all parties involved are making serious efforts is evident. Though no specific date has been set for the resumption of talks, but a willingness to work even outside the Six-Party Framework in bilateral or multilateral forums has been expressed. The issue is one that is complicated. From now on, the talks will focus on substantive issues. The two main parties still lack trust in each other - the DPRK and the US - this is the most problematic issue at the moment. With sincere efforts, China is confident that the issue will be resolved peacefully. The aim remains the denuclearization of the peninsula, maintenance of peace and stability in the region and normalization of relations between all parties.

Question: How does China wish to develop a common approach to counter global terrorism?
Answer: China is against all forms of terrorism. It is a part of international efforts to deal with terrorism at the multilateral level and as part of the UN. China has been a victim of terrorism outside its territory. In the recent attacks in Jordan, three Chinese officers were killed. Internally, threats come from three forces - religious extremists, terrorists and national separatists. It is important to deal first with the symptoms of terrorism and then the root causes. The issue of development comes up in this. It is hoped that the international community will be effective in eradicating poverty. China is against double or multiple standards vis-?-vis terrorism and is also against linking it with any religion or state.

Question: There is a problem of terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan is a good friend of China, and China has good relations with Pakistan, its policies will have a bearing on India. How does China view this situation?
Answer: Pakistan is a good friend of China, but relations with India are also important. No one relationship is deemed more important than the other, nor should it be seen as standing in the way of better relations with another country. China appreciates India's efforts in the SAARC.

Question: How does China approach the nuclear question? China is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, how does it view India's nuclear negotiations with the US?
Answer: China is party to the NPT and the CTBT and it has stood by its obligations under these treaties. It has proven itself by the role it has played in the Six-Party Talks. China is supportive of the peaceful use of nuclear technology. China also has projects for peaceful use of nuclear power.

Question: Why is Japan such a fixation for China? What are the reasons for the Chinese emphasis on Japan when Japan has behaved well for the last 60 years?
Answer: Japan has a problem with not only China but all its neighbours. Even after 60 years, the issue remains sensitive; this is evidence of the importance of the issue. Thirty-five million people were killed during the Japanese invasion from 1931 onwards. The problem is because of the way Japan is handling the issue. It is not doing a good job of tackling the experiences of the past. While the world is commemorating World War II so as not to forget the lessons learnt, Japanese ministers have made statements calling the Japanese war effort as meritorious because it liberated Southeast Asia from Western colonialism.

Question: Do you think good progress is being made on the border issue between Indian and China? If not then where do you think the problem lies?
Answer: China is happy with the progress made on the border issue. Each government has a special envoy working on the issue and they work within the political parameters of the resolution signed during Wen Jiabao's visit to India in April. Talks have entered the seventh round of deciding upon a framework. If such efforts continue, the prospects are promising. China has resolved border disputes with 13 of its neighbours, only some minor issues remain with Bhutan. India is the only neighbour with whom China still has a standing border dispute. Talks should certainly succeed with cooperation of the Indian side.

Question: What is China's approach to countries other than India and Pakistan in South Asia?
Answer: China's exchanges with South Asia go back centuries. Various cultures have been assimilated into Chinese culture. China has friendly relations with all countries of the region. It extends state assistance to some of the countries, and cooperates with them on an international level on issues of importance. More needs to be done to help these countries develop; efforts such as those in the aftermath of the tsunami are commendable and must continue.

Question: what are China's views on the East Asia Summit? What are the perceptions of the possibilities of the summit?
Answer: The East Asia summit is still in its initial stages of formulation. The 10+3 mechanism should work well. Regional cooperation is gathering strength. China regards it as an effort to form a forum to exchange views on the long-term strategic issues for leaders of the region. It will be a regional mechanism for cooperation. Views on the East Asia Summit are vague as of now; the leading role has been given to ASEAN because the initiative came from them. The general orientation is on regional cooperation.

Question: What is next for the SCO? Does it have a concrete agenda?
Answer: The SCO aims at cooperation on important issues. Developmental issues need focus and the emphasis will be on economic cooperation that would facilitate the development of member states.

Question: How does China view US presence in the region?
Answer: China is assured about the peaceful American presence. The most important issue for China is Taiwan. The US has accepted the One China principle and it is hoped that it will remain loyal to this commitment.

Comments:

• Terror struck New Delhi on the same day as the decision to open borders. The link with Pakistan is clearly established, but has not been appreciated. This being said, India welcomes China's entry into the SAARC.

• As far as US presence in the region and India's perceptions are concerned, India is not worried about American presence. Pakistan is of concern to the US right now; American presence in the region perhaps ensures its stability. In Afghanistan and Central Asia, India does not welcome long-term NATO presence.

• Japan is unable to handle issues because of two factors. Firstly, Japan is still influenced by the Cold War mentality. It is uncomfortable with the changes taking place in the world. Traditionally, Japan has always allied with the stronger power to the neglect of its relations with smaller states. Right now, it is an ally of the US. China has no problem with this alliance as long as peace and stability in the region are not threatened. Secondly, Japan has a distorted concept of history.

Members of the team that participated in high-level dialogues:

1. Maj Gen. Dipankar Banerjee, Director, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, India

2. Mr. MM Pallam Raju, Member of Indian Parliament, Chairman, Standing Committee on IT

3. Mr. Manvendra Singh, Member of Indian Parliament, Committee of Defence

4. Dr. Swaran Singh, Associate Professor, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India

5. Dr. Sujit Dutta, Senior Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, India

6. Ms. Rukmani Gupta, Research Officer, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, India

7. Mr. Jorg Wolff, Resident Representative to India, Konrad Adenauer Foundation

8. Dr. Stephan Bierling, Professor of International and Transatlantic Relations, University of Regensburg, Germany

9. Mr. Winfried Jung, Resident Representative to China, Konrad Adenauer Foundation

10. Ms. Inke Denker, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, China