[Show all top banners]

hurray
Replies to this thread:

More by hurray
What people are reading
Subscribers
:: Subscribe
Back to: Kurakani General Refresh page to view new replies
 SAARC Concludes
[VIEWED 3483 TIMES]
SAVE! for ease of future access.
Posted on 11-14-05 2:21 PM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

China just tore up India?s Monroe doctrine
By C. Raja Mohan

http://www.nepalnews.com.np/archive/2005/others/guestcolumn/nov/guest_columns_nov05_06.php

As the curtains came down today in Dhaka on the 13th SAARC summit, the event will be remembered only for the extraordinary demonstration of China?s new political clout in the sub-continent.

It was a long time coming. But when it did in Dhaka over the weekend, China?s diplomatic big bang left in tatters India?s long-standing claim of an exclusive sphere of influence in the sub-continent.

That Nepal?s King Gyanendra could hold up the consensus at the summit on Afghanistan?s membership for two days by linking it to China?s request for an association with the SAARC, heralds a new paradigm in the sub-continent?s geopolitics.

Without even being present at the summit, China has significantly influenced the outcome of the Dhaka debate on expanding SAARC membership.

On the eve of the summit, an invitation for Afghanistan to become the eighth member of SAARC was considered a done deal. That the decision on Afghanistan could not be taken without a simultaneous one on China is a wake up call to Delhi from Beijing.

India can no longer treat the sub-continent as its little backyard and have to reckon with the reality of Chinese power south of the Himalayas.

In demanding a procedural delay on the Chinese request for association with SAARC, India gained support only from Bhutan, which does not have diplomatic relations with China. Given the growing engagement between Thimpu and Beijing, India would be unwise to expect Bhutan to maintain the current position.

The five other members of SAARC?Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka?were all more than eager for China?s immediate association. While there was a consensus on inviting Afghanistan as the eighth member of the SAARC, only Nepal, however, appears to have openly pressed for a linkage with the China question. King Gyanendra?s power play at Dhaka, however, is less important than the long-term implications for the sub-continent from China?s rise on the global stage.

For decades, Delhi has claimed primacy in the sub-continent much in the vein of the US Monroe Doctrine, named after President James Monroe who told the European powers in 1823 to stay clear of the internal politics of Latin America.

In recent years, China has been explicitly suggesting its strong interest in joining the SAARC as either an ??observer?? or a ??dialogue partner??. Chinese interest in South Asian multilateralism, however, is only the icing on top of a layered but powerful engagement with the sub-continent.

Like in all its other neighbouring regions, China is keen to deepen its cross-border economic and transportation links with South Asia. India can hardly object to that, given China?s long border with the sub-continent. Just as Beijing cannot stop India from developing abiding economic and political links with China?s neighbours elsewhere in Asia, Delhi should not smugly believe it could forever keep China out of the sub-continent. While India?s relations with each of its South Asian neighbours is weighed down by a different degree of complexity, China has had a free hand in expanding economic, political and military links with them.

Amidst new questions over the sustainability of its Monroe Doctrine, India needs a three pronged strategy-expanding regional cooperation with China, globalising South Asia, and accelerating the sub-continent?s economic integration.

The longer Delhi takes in addressing these imperatives from the rise of China, the stronger will be the temptation for India?s neighbours to draw Beijing deeper into the sub-continent?s politics.

 
Posted on 11-14-05 2:43 PM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 
 
Posted on 11-15-05 3:46 PM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

It will be good for Nepal if China joins SAARC and ultimately Japan and US will join as well. Hopefully SAARC will be as powerful as NATO some day. I am dreaming but please let me ;-)
Shiv
 
Posted on 11-15-05 4:06 PM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

SHIV,
:-),You ain't the only dreamer bro.May I please hop In?:-)I am really laughing hard with teared eyes.
That would be an ideal world praise-worthy no doubt.But did you hear about south-asian region as the poorest in the globe concluded by a magsasay peace award winning researcher.I have come to agree with that gentleman's conclusion.
The conclusion of the research states the need for a socialist model village economy based on self- reliance and self - principle defense.Well,I think works perfectly with an absance of corrupt politicians.A moderate very down to earth report.
Japan's inclusion as a guest is helpful.
I fear Uncle Sam.Don't think it would be good idea:-)what's your say?
 
Posted on 11-15-05 4:14 PM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

it is really good. Now the time to see how many other countries will join in another summit.Hahaha Nato will be nothing front of SAARC coz it will hold worlds half population after china join on SAARC.
 
Posted on 11-15-05 4:31 PM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

iZen,
I am glad I made you smile :-)
I am not worried about Uncle Sam if they join SAARC. Uncle Sam as powerful as he is can be very beneficial to the regional economy of the region, initially. Once the region develops Uncle Sam can be one of the business partners among many.
I am all for democracy. I dream of Nepal as a democratic nation (without corruption) with free, quality health care and education.

 
Posted on 11-15-05 5:00 PM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

Shiv,
As much as I am for universal method of governance, a border-less planet.I do fear the colonizers and pro-imperialist mindsets of the world.South-Asia needs to focus on grass roots of problem it faces along with the other thirld world communities.
As rightly suggested by the award winning socialist couple days back.
Unless it is cleared about the real intentions of America's interferance in internal politics of other nations and mainly middle-east I wouldn't risk my green signal towards your proposal.
:=)
 
Posted on 11-16-05 8:34 AM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

iZen,
I hear you. I know what you mean and your concern is valid.
Having said that South East Asia does not have the same socio-political structure as Middle East. America always had a strong interest in middle-east and they will do anything to protect their interest in that region however the situation is quite different in South East Asia. With China and India aboard US will/can play as much as it can however it will not dare to go against and US will have minimal effect compared to what they have now. US will do "what ever" to have access to its market share in that region; it will do it anyways like any other country would.
Especially with China and India aboard (in SAARC), if US is included US can play its role in internal politics like you have said, but has US ever played aloof of internal politics, anywhere? I think not. The "big-brother" is everywhere, it is scary but we have to face it intelligently rather than being hostile about it, after all it is still a superpower. It is up to us to work together along with other nations which can only have mutual benefit.
Does it mean we have to have US as a member? No it does not. All I am saying is that the benefit outweighs the shortcomings.
I will let the middle-east and America hash out their differences, themselves as far as I am concerned we will need to work with everyone but of course with caution!

 
Posted on 11-16-05 9:32 AM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

SHIV,
How about european union for that matter?From the invasion of Iraq to the recent CIA leak controversy,I have no doubt regarding Bush administration to play world police violating countless laws.An extra ensitive measures has to be applied while dealing with the americans and mainly the current administration.
As China and India are emerging as giants of the century,America's strategic imporatnce in the region is obvious.Will the South-asians check that cash purely on a business ground with no external political interest whatsoeverthat is the heart of the issue,I think.
Nevertheless,the cons of capitalism will always stay there arising more revolts due to the economic disparity.A well-measured balance is the most in that scenario.

 
Posted on 11-16-05 10:43 AM     Reply [Subscribe]
Login in to Rate this Post:     0       ?    
 

iZen,
Couldn't agree more. Caution is the word here. However many things can be done to lessen the economic disparity but it will not every one happy. This is the universal truth - there is nothing in the world that will make everyone happy and content for that matter. :-)
-shiv
 


Please Log in! to be able to reply! If you don't have a login, please register here.

YOU CAN ALSO



IN ORDER TO POST!




Within last 7 days
Recommended Popular Threads Controvertial Threads
Travelling to Nepal - TPS AP- PASSPORT
TPS Work Permit/How long your took?
मन भित्र को पत्रै पत्र!
Does the 180 day auto extension apply for TPS?
Another Song Playing In My Mind
NOTE: The opinions here represent the opinions of the individual posters, and not of Sajha.com. It is not possible for sajha.com to monitor all the postings, since sajha.com merely seeks to provide a cyber location for discussing ideas and concerns related to Nepal and the Nepalis. Please send an email to admin@sajha.com using a valid email address if you want any posting to be considered for deletion. Your request will be handled on a one to one basis. Sajha.com is a service please don't abuse it. - Thanks.

Sajha.com Privacy Policy

Like us in Facebook!

↑ Back to Top
free counters