ABSTRACT
Xi Jinping’s “Asia for Asians” was derived out of China’s quest to situate itself in the regional strategic landscape and improve its capacity-building measures with Asian countries through massive initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How much of it is truly Asia-centric is however debatable, considering the China-centric policies adopted. To ease tensions, Xi Jinping’s major power diplomacy revolves around fostering mutually beneficial cooperation whereby the “Chinese contribution” would be to promote global peace and growth. This has however, not diluted the impression of China pursuing a more nationalistic approach to economic interests and international relations. Struggling with increasing scepticism over its ‘debt-trap’ diplomacy coupled with domestic unrest, Xi Jinping is walking a difficult domestic and diplomatic tightrope. For India there are several strategic choices – apart from always voicing its reservations about BRI, it has coalesced with other like-minded powers through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms like the Quad. The essay then first seeks to elucidate the evolving regional architecture in Asia led by China through “Asia for Asians”. Second, considering India and China’s growing relative capabilities and their geographical proximity, it shall be analysed if their relationship is inevitably casting a long shadow on multilateralism in the region.
