Online published on 25 June, 2025.
The future strategic conflict between China and India is a given, and a prosperous commercial relationship cannot thwart the existence of this rivalry. How the relationship is managed will determine how Asia, including South Asia, will be governed politically. China is currently asserting its claim to various Indian regions and engaging in “infrastructure intimidation” along the border. The author observes a growing Chinese footprint near India in the security sector. An intrusive military presence of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir is the most recent illustration of this. India is particularly concerned about China’s potential impact on its cyber and space security due to its deployment of disruptive technologies. In addition, India believes that China may be implementing some of its strategic plans through Pakistan as a proxy. The military and nuclear collaboration between Pakistan and China has degraded India’s external security situation. This article explores how China impacts India strategically and the many challenges it poses.
