ARTICLES
China, Vietnam, and the South China Sea: An Analysis of the “Three Nos” and the Hedging Strategy (pp. 1-20)
Ananta Swarup Bijendra De Gurung
Abstract
The South China Sea is a disputed maritime feature claimed by the coastal states of Southeast Asia and China. As the disputants press their claims, there is increased political and diplomatic friction. This article examines Vietnam’s “three nos” and hedging strategy vis-à-vis China against the backdrop of recent developments in the South China Sea. The study argues that the “three nos” along with hedging is one of the comprehensive diplomatic strategies, which complement each other and collectively contribute toward managing Sino-Vietnamese bilateral disputes in the South China Sea.
China’s Economic Expansion in South Asia: Strengths, Challenges and Opportunities (pp. 21-36)
Romi Jain
Abstract
China is rapidly penetrating the economic domain of the South Asian region. By providing financial assistance for infrastructure projects, launching the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strengthening trade and investment linkages, China is attempting to alter the region’s power equations vis-à-vis India that has traditionally wielded predominant influence in the region. Regardless of China’s strategic accomplishments on this front, China has yet to prove that its economic involvement entails win-win outcomes, and this in itself is a challenge for China to overcome in its path to expansion in the region. Against this backdrop, this article critically examines the factors supporting as well as hindering China’s ambition to gain a solid foothold in the region’s economic landscape.
Securing India’s Economic and Security Interests in the Indo-Pacific (pp. 37-52)
Vinay Kaura
Abstract
India has a stake in the long-term stability of the Indo-Pacific region that extends across the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The region is known for its economic and demographic dynamism as well as significance of its sea lanes for global trade and energy flows. This article explains the current level of India’s economic, diplomatic and security engagement in the Indo-Pacific region in order to explain the steps required for India to be able to secure its objectives against the backdrop of China’s relentless drive for dominance.
The US–China Trade War: A Political and Economic Analysis (pp. 53-74)
Yuhan Zhang
Abstract
This article attempts to examine the current US-China trade war. It argues that the trade war cannot achieve the outcomes that President Donald Trump desires and it could be avoided by resolving the structural trade imbalances and undertaking enduring and effective strategic communications. First, the trade war cannot significantly reduce or eliminate the current account deficit of the US. The capital account can drive the current account, and the US capital account surpluses persist due to the country’s sublime capital markets and inflows of foreign excess savings. Second, it is almost impossible to impede China’s technological advancement. Technology development can increase China’s gross output, especially the wages of skilled labourers, which is essential for China’s much-needed consumption-driven economy. This, in turn, is crucial for reducing China’s excess savings. The Chinese government possesses an unyielding determination and capacity to advance technologies. It is worth noting that stifling China’s technological advancement will likely to be detrimental to the aim of trade rebalancing. Pursuing the goals simultaneously – fixing the trade imbalances and halting China’s technological advancement – will be challenging as they are counteractive. Surely, the trade war strikes the vulnerable Chinese economy. In order to fix the trade imbalances as well as to end and avoid the war, China must step up economic reforms. In the immediate run, it needs to prevent the further devaluation of China’s renminbi (RMB) and raise its interest rate.
Abstract
Mapping Substance in India’s Counter-strategies to China’s Emergent Belt and Road Initiative: Narratives and Counter-Narratives (pp. 75-90)
Sayantan Haldar
Abstract
This article discusses the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Chinese government’s mega project, scheduled for completion by 2030. The project has been planned to be carried out in two parts: first, the Silk Road connecting China through Central Asia to the Middle East and Europe; and second, the Maritime Silk Route which includes maritime links through the Strait of Malacca to the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa. The BRI can have a huge impact on Asia, Europe and Africa strategically and economically. India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its vast economy make it a key player in the developments in South Asia. The article attempts to elaborate upon the fundamental idea of the BRI and the possible options for India.
RESEARCH NOTE
Atrocities against the Rohingya Community of Myanmar (pp. 91-102)
Afroza Anwary
BOOK REVIEWS
Corporate Security Crossroads by Richard J. Chasdi (pp. 103-104)
China’s Crony Capitalism: The Dynamics of Regime Decay by Minxin Pei (pp. 104-106)
Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State by Paul S. Kapur (pp. 106-108)
Our Time Has Come: How India Is Making Its Place In The World by Alyssa Ayres (pp. 108-110)
Partnership with JSTOR
Full texts of IJAAs content, beginning from the first issue, are available in JSTOR, a digital archive. In collaborating with JSTOR, IJAA shares in its commitment to a "long-term preservation" of scholarship. The texts are archived in JSTOR's Arts & Sciences XII Collection, Asia Collection, JSTOR Archival Journal & Primary Source Collection, and Security Studies Extension.
Users can access the content in JSTOR by logging in through their institutions/libraries. As independent researchers, they have "alternate access options" via personal accounts or subscriptions to JPASS.