India-China Relations: From Economic Cooperation to Strategic Competition

Competition among numerous actors, escalation of international cooperation, and revisionist perspectives are the most important features of the transition period in international relations. Recognizing the interactions among the major actors at this time is very important for understanding the international system.China and India, in view of their domestic features as two powerful Asian countries, and as two emerging powers, play an undeniable role in revising global order. The relations between India and China have always had numerous ups and downs. Sometimes the increase in the volume of trade, defense and military cooperation, such as joint exercises and increased travels of senior officials from both countries, has intensified the cooperation between two states. Sometimes tensions on the common border, try to have influence over Afghanistan, Central Asia and the Indian Ocean, and the arms race between the two countries have also highlighted the issue of competition. Obviously, the presence of Xi Jinping and NarendraModi as the powerful and national leaders of the two countries has made the relations between India and China different. Both sides seek to maximize their interests by using tools such as the coalition with third sides and try to manage the crises in bilateral relations at the same time.