Latest news with #CenterforChinaandGlobalization
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
‘What if China stops Brahmaputra water,' threatens Pakistan. Does India need to worry?
India's decision to pause the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan hasn't gone down well in the neighbouring country. Now, Islamabad has come up with a scare tactic, claiming China could stop the Brahmaputra water. Is Beijing seriously considering such a move? What would it mean for New Delhi? read more Even as India and Pakistan have ceased military strikes against each other, the water war between the two nations continues after New Delhi placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack. The decision to place the water agreement of 1960 has angered and concerned Pakistan; a recent report shows that the water levels of the Indus and Jhelum rivers on Pakistan's side are running low. And this water shortage will, in turn, have a direct impact on the summer crop season. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In such a situation, Pakistan has once again resorted to scare tactics. Islamabad stated that the suspension of Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan could set a precedent for China to block the Brahmaputra River to India. However, now Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called out Pakistan for its 'baseless attempt' to incite fear over a hypothetical situation involving the Brahmaputra. We take a closer look at the situation — from a possible China choke on the Brahmaputra to what the Indian chief minister is saying to what experts believe. Pakistan's threat of a China choke on Brahmaputra India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance has become a contentious issue in Islamabad. In late May, a senior aide to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) could set a dangerous precedent, potentially prompting China to take reciprocal actions, such as blocking the flow of the Brahmaputra River. Speaking to a private news channel on Friday, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, the coordinator to the prime minister on commerce and industry, said New Delhi's decision could have far-reaching implications not just for Pakistan, but for the entire region. 'If India does something like this and stops the flow of water to Pakistan, then China can also do the same thing,' he cautioned. 'If things like this happen, the entire world will be in a war.' Days later, Victor Zhikai Gao, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing, was quoted as telling India Today that one should not treat others in a way they themselves would not like to be treated. Fishermen steer a boat on the Brahmaputra River at sunset in Guwahati. In his rebuttal to Pakistan's threat, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that China contributes only about 30 to 35 per cent of the Brahmaputra's total flow. File image/Reuters In the interview, the Chinese highlighted Beijing's control over the Brahmaputra River, adding further that just like rivers from India flow into Pakistan, rivers from China also flow into India. He warned that if India acts against others, it should be prepared for similar responses in return, which could lead to serious challenges for the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Assam's Himanta counters Pakistan threat However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has slammed Pakistan for attempting to spread fear with the narrative of China blocking the Brahmaputra. In a strongly worded post on X, the chief minister issued a point-by-point rebuttal. 'Let's dismantle this myth — not with fear, but with facts and national clarity,' he wrote in the post. What If China Stops Brahmaputra Water to India? A Response to Pakistan's New Scare Narrative After India decisively moved away from the outdated Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan is now spinning another manufactured threat: 'What if China stops the Brahmaputra's water to India?'… — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 2, 2025 He first explained that the Brahmaputra is a 'river that grows in India, not shrinks'. Explaining this, he said that China contributes only 30 – 35 per cent of the Brahmaputra's total flow — mostly through glacial melt and limited Tibetan rainfall. Meanwhile, India generates the remaining 65–70 per cent through monsoon rains and inflows from its numerous tributaries in the Northeast. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further emphasised that the strength of the river only intensifies after entering Indian territory. Using data, he said, 'At the Indo-China border (Tuting), flow is 2,000–3,000 metres per second. In Assam plains (for instance, Guwahati), the flow swells to 15,000–20,000 metres per second.' Sarma also argued that in the rare instance that China attempted to block the Brahmaputra's flow it would help rather than hurt India. How? He said that it would reduce the recurring floods in Assam that displace hundreds of thousands each year. In conclusion, he asserted that China has never officially threatened to weaponise the Brahmaputra and dismissed Pakistan's suggestion as nothing but speculative and fear-mongering. Experts Speak However, not everyone is assured by Sarma's counter on the Brahmaputra. Some experts are of the opinion that while China has made no official plans to block the Brahmaputra River, Beijing has announced the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam , across the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet last December. This construction has raised alarm bells for India as experts note that such infrastructure would exacerbate the risk of flash floods, particularly during monsoon season and could even cause environmental harm. Last December, China announced the construction of a dam on the Brahmaputra in the region of Tibet. File image/Reuters For those who are unaware, in December 2024, Beijing said it would build a hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet autonomous region. The Yarlung Zangbo River becomes the Brahmaputra River when it flows into the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the time of announcing the dam, China said that once completed it would produce three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam, which generates 88.2 billion kWh of electricity annually. And experts note that this dam could be a problem for India. How? As Genevieve Donnellon-May, a geopolitical and global strategy advisor, wrote for AsiaGlobal Online in 2022, that India worries the project could result in the country depending on China for its water supplies. Others also note that a dam of this scale would trap massive amounts of sediment upstream, disrupting its flow downstream. This could make farming less productive, threatening food security in one of the world's most densely populated regions. Besides being a risk to the country's agricultural sector, such a damn is also a security threat. As the dam is expected to be near Arunachal Pradesh , an area claimed by both India and China, it is bound to complicate matters. Given the recent military standoffs along the Sino-Indian border, Beijing's control over a major water source could be perceived as a strategic pressure point. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Environmental concerns also loom large. The Himalayas are one of the most seismically active regions in the world, making large-scale infrastructure projects highly risky. A potential dam failure or mismanagement during extreme weather events could lead to catastrophic flooding in downstream areas, posing serious humanitarian and economic consequences for India. With inputs from agencies
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Don't do unto others what you don't want done to you': Victor Gao warns India
Listen to article Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization Victor Gao said the Indus Waters Treaty must be respected in letter and spirit, and warned against using water as a tool of coercion. 'Never use the Indus River as blackmail against the people of Pakistan,' he remarked. 'Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.' In an interview with an Indian news channel, he called for regional cooperation on water sharing and criticised any unilateral moves to divert shared water resources. He reaffirmed China's commitment to its 'iron-clad friendship' with Pakistan, stressing that Beijing will not tolerate any attempts to undermine Pakistan's legitimate interests, particularly with regard to the peaceful use of Indus River waters under the long-standing treaty with India. 'China and India need to come up with a protocol so that the waters of the Brahmaputra can be better managed,' he said, referring to recent concerns over India's river management policies. 'This becomes more important in light of Indian government's attempt to divert water from rivers to Pakistan.' He underscored the geographical reality that most major rivers in South Asia originate in Tibet, placing China in a strategic position in terms of regional water diplomacy. 'China is in the upper stream, India in the midstream. It is not appropriate for India to interfere unilaterally with shared waters,' he said. Gao expressed hope that China, India, and Pakistan would be able to engage in dialogue on equitable water sharing in both the western (Indus) and eastern (Brahmaputra) river systems. 'Only through mutual understanding and cooperation can the region ensure the sustainable and peaceful use of these vital resources,' he concluded. Read more: Victor Gao shuts down Indian General Bakshi over anti-Pakistan terrorism taunt The statement should be seen in the backdrop of India's recent decision to "hold in abeyance" the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a 1960 World Bank-mediated agreement governing the distribution of the Indus river system's resources. Under the treaty, Pakistan holds rights to the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, while India controls the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. Islamabad has warned that any attempt by India to divert or obstruct Pakistan's share of water would be treated as "an act of war," with a commitment to employ all elements of national power in response.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Chinese expert shuts down General Bakshi in live TV debate over Pakistan-China ties
Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, delivered a stinging rebuke to retired Indian General G.D. Bakshi during a heated live television debate that quickly spiraled beyond routine foreign policy discourse. The fireworks started when General Bakshi accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists and questioned the durability of Sino-Pak relations. Gao fired back without hesitation: 'General Bakshi, you need to study history,' he said coldly, drawing an audible gasp from the panel. 'No power in the world can break the China-Pakistan friendship,' Gao continued, invoking decades of diplomatic, military, and economic ties between Beijing and Islamabad. He dismantled Bakshi's claims with sharp historical references, turning the debate into a one-sided lesson that left the retired general visibly rattled and scrambling to pivot. The turning point came when Gao dismissed Bakshi's inflammatory remarks as "aggression and irresponsibility, not diplomacy," urging a focus on dialogue and evidence over blanket accusations and calls to action. Highlighting joint military ventures like the JF-17 fighter jet and deep-rooted defense collaborations, Gao described the China-Pakistan partnership as 'rock-solid and forged in strategic trust,' emphasizing that their alliance isn't born of fleeting interest but is deeply institutionalised. Bakshi, a regular on Indian news channels known for his jingoistic tirades, appeared unprepared for such a frontal intellectual assault. As he attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere, Gao calmly held ground, commanding the room — and the narrative.
Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Doha Forum hosts high-level roundtable on global governance at China and Globalization Forum
BEIJING: The Doha Forum hosted a high-level roundtable on global governance as part of the 11th annual China and Globalization Forum, organised by the Center for China and Globalization, reaffirming Doha Forum's commitment to inclusive dialogue and enhancing South-South cooperation. The session, titled 'Reshaping Frameworks for Global Governance: The Role of China and the Global South', took place on Thursday in Beijing, bringing together diplomats, policy experts, and development leaders to discuss emerging partnerships between China and the Global South in redefining international cooperation in a multipolar world. Opening statements were delivered by Founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization Henry Huiyao Wang, and Director General of Doha Forum Maha Al Kuwari. Both speakers stressed the importance of governance systems that go beyond representation and efficiency, focusing on fairness and adapting to current political and economic shifts. During her remarks, Al Kuwari stated that the question today is not whether we need new approaches to global cooperation, but how we can achieve it in representative, inclusive, and effective ways that respond to the complex modern world. She added that Doha Forum is proud to partner with the Center for China and Globalization to foster these critical discussions. The session was moderated by Co-Founder and Secretary-General of the Center for China and Globalization and Founder of the Young Global Leaders Dialogue Initiative Dr Mabel Lu Miao. Featured speakers included Former Member of the Turkish Parliament Unal Cevikoz, Former Assistant Foreign Minister of Egypt Khaled Omara, President of the Institute of Economic and Technological Research at China National Petroleum Corporation Lu Ruquan, The Non-Resident Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs Rashid Al Mohannadi, Head of Planning and Partnership Evaluation at Qatar Fund for Development Sheikha Al Sheibi, Founder and President of Synergia Foundation Toby Simon, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization Xu Huicheng, and Center for China's International Knowledge on Development Zhou Taidong. The discussions explored China's role as a regulator, investor, and development partner across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, alongside the influence of the Global South in shaping international trade, development finance, and multilateral systems. At the conclusion of the session, Doha Forum announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Center for China and Globalization as a strategic content partner. The agreement includes joint sessions at the next edition of the Doha Forum, scheduled for December 2025, as well as continued year-round collaboration. Doha Forum has a long-standing history of focusing on inclusive global governance. Its 23rd edition is set to take place in Doha on December 6 and 7, 2025, bringing together world leaders under the theme 'Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress'.
Arabian Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
US-China Trade Talks Starting From May 9 In Switzerland
By Nitya Chakraborty It is now official. After waiting for a few days since Donald Trump diluted the U.S. tariff rates for China and announced his intention for talks, China confirmed on Wednesday morning that a high level Chinese negotiating team will be visiting Switzerland for four days beginning May 9 to hold talks with the U.S. high level delegation led by the treasury secretary Scott Bessent. This was a result of back channel discussions carried out in the last few days by the two offices of President Trump and President Xi Jinping. In the ongoing tariff war between U.S. and China, President Trump blinked first late last month when he brought down the rates on some Chinese goods and said that he would talk with President Xi and sort out. Soon after he said that he said that he talked to the Chinese President. He is in the habit of exaggerating. He did not speak directly to President Xi but his advisers were in touch with the officials of the Chinese President. So that way what Trump said about his meeting with Xi was half true. The officials of the two presidencies were talking. Now after some basics were discussed, the two delegations will be meeting in a third country Switzerland for four days to go into details. The trade talks may not be conclusive this time but this will facilitate the process of holding further meetings so that Trump and Xi can finally meet and sign the agreement. What has to be remembered is that the trade talks are only a part of an overall agreement that Trump is trying to arrive with Xi Jinping as a part of his global narrative. This will be time consuming and if needed will be compartmentalised so that other areas are not affected. The Chinese sources maintained after the announcement that China's position is consistent. Whether it is confrontation or negotiation, China's resolve to safeguard its development interests will never waver, neither will its stance and objectives in upholding international fairness and justice and the global economic and trade order. We will fight if we must. Our doors are open, if the US wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit, the spokesperson continued. He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the upcoming meeting between Chinese and US officials in Switzerland marks a positive development. 'The fact that the two sides will meet is a good sign, but the key lies in the US side,' He Weiwen noted, stressing that whether any substantial outcome emerges will depend on Washington's willingness to correct its unjust and illegal tariff policy – without preconditions or demands on China. 'There can only be meaningful negotiations if the US reverses its mistakes,' he said. Global trade experts have noted that the Trump was more interested in early dialogue because his advisers told him that the Chinese President XI is talking to a large number of trade partners of U.S and if Trump still sticks to his strong tariff position on China and other countries, XI will make use of time to influence some more countries to take stand against the USA. The US has trade partnerships with 180 countries but most important are50 to 75 countries which the US president expect to start trade negotiations within the 90 day pause which expires in the first week of July this year. Only on May 4 during the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting which took place in Milan, Italy, ASEAN members along with China, Japan, and South Korea, called for enhanced regional unity and cooperation to address heightened uncertainties, including rising protectionism and volatile global financial conditions in a joint statement issued after the meeting. The joint statement, which did not mention the US by name, came as sweeping new US tariffs threaten to hit Southeast Asia hard, Nikkei Asia reported. Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an attended the meeting and co-chaired some sessions. Lan emphasized that the global economy is undergoing profound adjustments, with globalization encountering headwinds and rising unilateralism and protectionism. Instability and uncertainties have notably increased. The 10+3 regional economies demonstrate strong resilience and have significant growth potential, but they also face complex and severe internal and external challenges. China is willing to work with all parties in the 10+3 framework to uphold openness and inclusivity, promote solidarity and cooperation, and continuously deepen regional financial collaboration, in order to address global instability and uncertainty with the stability and certainty of this region, Lan said. The joint statement issued after the meeting released on ASEAN website noted that 'escalating trade protectionism weighs on global trade, leading to economic fragmentation, affecting trade, investment, and capital flows across the region. Near-term prospects may also be affected by other external risks, including tighter global financial conditions, growth slowdown in major trading partners, and reduced investment flows.' The US is most friendly with Japan and ASEAN countries but still the tone of the statement issued after the summit indicated the influence of China in giving it a direction against the Trump's unilateral tariff hike move. What China is doing now to outsmart the USA in trade diplomacy is that President Xi is presenting himself as the protagonist of rule based globalization as against the gross protectionism of the USA. The US advisers have noted this and have told Trump to engage China in trade negotiations so that other countries also follow. The global tariff war has also affected China adversely in some sectors. Though China does not admit, the production scale been brought down in some sectors which have been highly affected in the latest tariff war. Chinese economy has resilience but it is so much dependent on export to the U.S. market that it has very limited options if Trump does not change his rates. Similarly Trump also has his compulsions in coming to a trade deal with China as early as possible. But geo politics is involved in a big way as two largest economies of the world fight for supremacy. The Switzerland talks from May 9 will indicate the trends of the evolving trade relationship between the two countries. (IPA Service)
