‘At G-20, Japan backs India, not China, as a bridge to Global South’
Context
Beyond the short-term results of the G-20 Summit, one significant finding with long-term repercussions is the placement of India as a crucial link between the West and the “Global South” in the eyes of Japanese academics.
How does Japan See the rivalry between India and China?
- India and China are seen as competing for dominance in the “Global South” by Japanese experts.
- Different attitudes to and interests in international affairs are the foundation of this rivalry.
- India wants to position itself as a responsible and significant actor in the developing world, in contrast to China, which has increased its influence globally through programs like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
What is Japan’s Strategic interest in India leading the global south?
- As a G-7 member, Japan has a stake in promoting India as a crucial partner in the “Global South.”
- This strategy is viewed as a means of balancing out China’s expanding influence both locally and worldwide.
- Japan’s dedication to this policy is demonstrated by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G-7 summit in Hiroshima.
What are the problems faced by Japan If the Chinese lead the global south?
- Geopolitical Tensions: Current geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific area may be made worse by China’s leadership in the Global South. China and Japan have long-running territorial disputes, especially in the East China Sea. Conflicts over these issues could become more complicated and even violent if an assertive China were to lead the Global South.
- Economic Competition: Japan may face difficulties as a result of China’s economic hegemony in the Global South. Japan’s economic sway in the area may be diminished as a result of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has encouraged substantial infrastructure expenditures in numerous nations. Chinese businesses may compete more fiercely with Japanese businesses in several industries.
- Security Concerns: Japan’s security interests may be jeopardized if a China-led Global South aligns more closely with Beijing’s foreign policy goals. Japan has relied on its alliances to uphold regional security, especially those with the United States. Japan’s security calculations may be impacted by a change in the global south’s allegiances.
- Global Governance: Changes in global governance may result from China’s leadership in the Global South, which may have an impact on international organizations and forums. Japan is a G-7 member and has supported multilateralism and democratic principles. International diplomacy may be influenced by different philosophies and strategies of a China-led Global South.
How does Japan plan to use the G20 and G7 to collaborate with India?
- As the G-7 Chairman, Japan’s main priority has been to work with India.
- The objective is to narrow the gap between the G-7 and the larger G-20, minus China and Russia, on several problems.
- Collaboration attempts to address global issues like debt crises, investment transparency, and climate financing.
- The goal of this collaborative endeavour is to align the G-20’s outcomes with those of the G-7 and India.
What is the role of Asian countries in Global governance?
- The place of Asian nations in global governance is a topic of contention that extends beyond the rivalry between China and India.
- It has long been problematic that Western nations predominate in international organizations like the G-20.
- Asian countries are working to strengthen their aggregate impact on global governance and want a bigger say in setting global priorities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the placement of India as a conduit between the West and the “Global South” reflects changing dynamics in international relations. It highlights the strategic value of India in containing China’s dominance and promoting cooperation to address global issues. But in the next years, it will be crucial to keep an eye on the continuing hostilities between China and India as well as broader concerns about the place of Asian nations in global governance.
