• UGI USER
  • Jul 27, 2023
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Q. In the context of India-China ties, explain the term ‘Panchsheel’. In view of the argument that China has persistently violated these principles, argue whether the longstanding approach requires changes.

Approach:

  • Explain the Panchsheel principles in the introduction.
  • Highlight how China has since violated these principles.
  • Discuss whether India should change its Panchsheel based approach towards China.
  • Conclude briefly.

Answer:

Panchsheel, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, were first formally enunciated in the  Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India signed in 1954,  which stated, in its preamble, that the two Governments “have resolved to enter into the present agreement based on the following principles: –

  • Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
  • Mutual non-aggression
  • Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs
  • Equality and mutual benefit
  • Peaceful co-existence

Panchsheel was born in response to a world asking for a new set of principles for the conduct of  international relations that would reflect the aspirations of all nations to co-exist and prosper together in peace and harmony. However, Chinese intentions and actions have not been in  accordance with these principles. Some examples include:

  • In 1959 China claimed over 40,000 sq miles of Indian Territory in Ladakh and the North-East Frontier Agency. Later, China refused to accept the McMahon Line, with Zhou Enlai claiming that  Beijing was not a signatory to the 1842 British India and China peace treaty.
  • In 1962, India and China engaged in a border war after several small clashes over the disputed Aksai Chin and border areas in Arunachal Pradesh. It was clearly against the principle of mutual  non-aggression.
  • In 1967, Indian and Chinese forces had border clashes at Nathu La, leading to the casualties on both sides.
  • China criticized India’s first nuclear test in Pokhran in 1974 and condemned the merger of Sikkim with India (1975), thereby interfering in India’s internal affairs.
  • China’s supply of arms to Pakistan and its alleged support to Naga rebels in the 1960s further violated these principles..
  • The three-week-long standoff at Depsang Plain (2013), incursions inside the LAC in Chumar sector (2014), 73-day border standoff over China’s construction of a road in Doklam (2017) have all violated the Panchsheel principles blatantly.
  • China’s Belt and Road initiative (BRI) including China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Indian Territory and goes against the principle of mutual respect for each  other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
  • The recent Galwan Valley violence has again brought to light the nefarious designs of the Chinese and has led to demands in India to revise its longstanding approach to China based on Panchsheel principles.

Despite several violations of these principles, China tactically emphasizes on Panchsheel principles  to refute theories associated with the so-called ‘China threat’ and convince India and other  countries of its intentions of ‘peaceful development’. Owing to this, Panchsheel can be argued to  have lost its practical relevance to an extent.

India should protect its national interests, especially securing and safeguarding its border which  must be driven by strategic and geopolitical considerations. In this context, India can revisit the long  standing One India-One China Policy and strengthen ties with countries like Taiwan, Vietnam who  are ready to confront China to divert Chinese attention while practicing the principles of  Panchsheel.

It remains to be highlighted that, even as Panchsheel may have lost its practical significance, it still  remains a potent tool towards resolving differences between contentious neighbors since these  universal principles provide a platform for the world to build international relations upon.