The China-Global South Podcast China-India Relations Remain Fragile Despite Warming Ties
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Sep 23, 2025 Professor Jabin Jacob, an expert in China-India relations, shares insights into the complexities of India and China's improving yet fragile ties. He discusses historical tensions, especially the heavily militarized border dispute, and how China's evolving narratives around maps and names complicate negotiations. Jacob emphasizes that past attempts at resetting relations have often faltered due to deep-seated distrust. He also highlights the differing development trajectories of both nations, shaping their perceptions and political dynamics in South Asia.
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Maps And Names As Narrative Tools
- China uses maps and place-name changes to normalize territorial claims internationally.
- India argues such steps don't change ground realities but they shape global narratives in China's favor.
Disengagement Without Demobilization
- Disengagement after 2020 reduced direct clashes but did not remove large troop presences.
- About 100,000 soldiers remain deployed along the high-altitude LAC, making long-term stability unlikely.
Delimitation Talks Are Symbolic So Far
- 'Delimitation' talks aim to move from principles to concrete boundaries but face ambiguity and mistranslation.
- Both sides so far only agreed to 'explore' delimitation, suggesting limited near-term progress.