China’s latest self-declaration of being the representative of global south during the address of its vice president Han Zhang in the UNGA urgently needed to be rebutted with logical arguments as to why instead of China, India can be the apt choice for this candidature.
China has been constantly positioning its image as the righteous leader of global south. Global south is the term loosely used in the international forums like UN for the less developed nations (even if they aren’t situated at the southern part of the earth). Similarly, new India has also been trying (after Modi government came into center) to position itself as a true representative of Global South. Actions speak louder than words. During G-20 summit, under the leadership of prime minister Modi’s government, India has shown its genuine claim by adding the group of African countries into this powerful block. While Chinese President chose to give it a miss (G-20 summit). Both the countries are affirming their claims time and again at various international forums. Where do both countries stand at this point of time?
China and India, combined population is around (as per latest data) 2.85 billion which is almost 35.5% of total population of the world. India is going to take over China very soon as the highest populated country in the world with 40% of its population below 25 years. China’s economy is the trillion $ 19.73 (2nd largest economy) whereas India’s economy stands at trillion $ 3.6 (5th largest). Although, India have been outpacing China post covid in economic growth rate with 6.1% growth rate as compare to China’s 4.5% quarterly growth rate. China is one of the five permanent members of prestigious ‘United Nations’ having veto power. India has been putting strong case over the period of time for its inclusion in this prestigious club. According to data China’s position looks stronger than India. There are several pertinent issues where comparison is to be done.
Political system and structure is the mirror of any country. China ruled by a one-party authoritarian dictatorship, is entirely under the monopolistic control of a single ruling political party, the CCP whereas The Republic of India (Bharat Ganrajya) is a ‘Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic’ with a parliamentary system of government’. India is a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive in nature as people belonging to different faiths, religion, ethnicities, languages live in coexistence which is the symbol of tolerance, progression, peace and harmony whereas China is known for its hardliner approach without having freedom of speech given to its people and press. People or institutions can’t criticize the government and its policies. Excessive government interference and control is visible in all type of decisions related to its people. Harsh measures taken by the Chinese government against own people during covid period is the wakeup call for the world. Chinese agencies’ data are not trusted on the global level. Indian governments work on the basis of constitution and can’t deviate from its basis nature. People can openly criticize the governments.
China is having the expansionist approach, claiming the territories and oceans of its neighboring countries like India, Nepal, Russia and Pakistan, Taiwan and many more. Lately, a Chinese map published by the authorities led to heavy criticism by nations like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan etc. At the same time, India is the only country that has never invaded any other country for its resources and to make colonies. India is the land of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism therefore believes in the ethos of non-violence. Hence, India is far superior than China with respect to spiritual, ethical and philosophical knowledge and can work as a leader of global south way better than China because of its broadmindedness, openness and superior knowledge.
The world has seen the worst nightmare in the form of covid. China is blamed for its origination and spread to the rest of the world due to non-sharing of the information of the virus to the world. India dealt with this pandemic with the utmost care and sincerity, not only did it save its huge population but distributed the medicines, vaccines, equipment’s and other things to the needy countries especially global south as the relief measures. China didn’t send help to the needy countries but also blamed for sending the faulty and defected goods to them even after charging them. Entire world has noticed it in a positive way. India termed it as the state policy of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam” means entire world is one family.
There is another issue of the political intent. China is blamed to enter in other countries by giving them huge debt on high interest rates. China’s debt trap policy is meant to acquire the geographical territories of the countries in case of non-payment of the debt. There are many such countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Kenya, Laos, Zambia, Mongolia and a dozen poor countries that have become the victim of debt trap policy of China. According to the western media reports, Sri Lanka had to give Hambantota Port to China for 99 years as a case of debt-to-equity swap.
World order has started shifting towards India as many of the world renowned companies are coming to India or yet to come in near future such as I phone, Tesla, semiconductor manufacturing companies and many more due to China plus policy of the world. Indian economy (5th largest) is one of the fastest growing estimated at 6.3% in 2023-2024 by world Bank. On the contrary, China’s growth rate is going down because of low international demand. Companies are leaving the country. Entire world is upset with Chinese government’s policies such as expansionist approach, dictatorship, covid management and data sharing, debt trap against other countries, political dictatorship and state censoring.
After the economic reforms (1991), Indian IT, Pharma sector, BPO etc. have made huge contribution in changing the world’s perception about India. During the two decades of 21st century, Indian engineers have reached to the CEO level of big tech & non-tech companies of the world. World has accepted the intelligence & skills of Indian students especially in the science field. Now space technology, defense sector, and Indian infrastructure, renewable energy like solar, hydrogen, start-up space, science & technology are the areas where Indians are showing the superiority. India’s cost effective approach is unmatched across entire world.
India is a young country with rich cultural heritage and ethos meet tall he eligibility criteria of being the representative of global south. A country that believes in non-violence, sharing of the resources, caring during difficult times & never ever invaded any country’s sovereignty and just came out of the situation of extreme poverty might be more suitable than China that is totally opposite of what is needed.
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