Is Global Times' India swipe a sign of China's unease in South Asia?

The Global Times critique of India portrays China’s unease as New Delhi deepens ties with its South Asian neighbours

(File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PTI

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss key issues including maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control and restoring frozen bilateral ties. However, despite these ongoing talks, China’s state-run media outlet, The Global Times, published a critical article about India.

The article—‘Big win’ narrative of Indian media shows New Delhi’s unease, lack of confidence—criticised Indian media for allegedly playing up Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to New Delhi, choosing it over Beijing. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, meanwhile, said President Dissanayake is scheduled to visit China next month, The Hindu reported.

Shifting regional dynamics

India’s handling of similar situations, such as Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s decision to prioritise Beijing over New Delhi for his first visit, showcases its evolving regional strategy. While traditionally, Nepalese leaders visited India first, Oli’s decision was seen as a reaction to India’s diplomatic snub rather than a deliberate tilt towards China.

After assuming office for the fourth time in July 2024, Oli had hoped for an official invitation from India, which did not materialise. Though he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, the lack of a formal invitation for a bilateral visit was interpreted by Nepalese media and political circles as a slight. In response, Oli chose Beijing for his maiden foreign trip signalling a shift that appeared more reactive than strategic.

This incident highlights the complexities of regional diplomacy where symbolic gestures such as the timing of visits carry significant weight. Nepal’s tilt towards China, while it appeared as a deliberate alignment, actually showed its balancing act between the two powers. Despite its growing ties with Beijing, Kathmandu remains wary of over-reliance on one partner.

India’s assertive diplomacy

India’s handling of Nepal reflects its broader approach to regional diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India’s response to Nepal’s growing engagement with Beijing was anything but passive. Instead, it demonstrated a firm stance to assert its influence in the region. By choosing not to invite Prime Minister Oli, India sent a clear signal of its resistance to what it saw as “bully diplomacy” — using China’s rising clout to pressure New Delhi. This approach is consistent with India’s handling of relations in the Maldives. When President Muhammad Muizzu initially leaned towards Beijing, it created diplomatic friction. However, Muizzu’s visit to India in October showed a shift, highlighting India’s importance in maintaining regional balance.

In the Maldives, India’s strategy included a combination of developmental aid, strategic agreements and people-to-people initiatives that demonstrated New Delhi’s long-term commitment to its neighbours. This approach shows India’s regional policy blueprint emphasising sustainable partnerships rather than bought ties like China’s infrastructure-heavy but debt-laden Belt and Road Initiative.

However, Global Times painted Nepal’s outreach to Beijing as a move away from India. However, this perspective looks oversimplification of a complex diplomatic issue. Nepal’s actions were shaped by internal challenges and India’s strategic diplomacy, reflecting a far more intricate reality.

Similarly, India’s engagement with Sri Lanka highlights its strategic focus on reinforcing ties with key neighbours. President Dissanayake’s decision to visit India first is a significant sign highlighting the thawing relations between New Delhi and Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s deepening ties with India also reflect the success of New Delhi’s outreach programmes. From enhancing maritime cooperation to addressing economic challenges, India’s consistent engagement has positioned it as a reliable partner. Notably, initiatives such as the extension of credit lines and infrastructure collaborations reflect India’s intent to foster mutual growth.

The Global Times and China’s unease

The Global Times article criticising India’s regional influence reflects China’s unease. Beijing is clearly concerned about the growing closeness between India and its neighbours. Contrary to China’s portrayal, Nepal’s shift toward Beijing was less about choosing sides and more about reacting to India’s firm stance. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s outreach to India demonstrates a balanced approach to diplomacy, ensuring good relations with both powers without compromising regional stability.

China’s nervousness comes from realising that its aggressive methods are no longer working as well as before. Countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal are becoming cautious about the hidden costs of Chinese investments, which often come with economic and political conditions. In comparison, India’s approach is different. It focusses on building partnerships based on shared culture and mutual respect making it a more sustainable and appealing option for these nations.

Stakes for India’s regional influence

India’s regional diplomacy is characterised by a delicate balance—welcoming partnerships while asserting its sovereignty. The stakes are high and neighbours play a big role. While President Dissanayake’s maiden foreign visit began with India, it signals reaffirming of bilateral ties between New Delhi and Colombo.

India has no enmity with Nepal and its actions against Prime Minister Oli was viewed in the country as a reminder to Kathmandu of the significance of its bilateral ties with New Delhi. India has maintained that both Sri Lanka and Nepal should have friendly relations China but New Delhi has looked assertive in conveying that it cannot be at the cost of its interests. The latest article in The Global Times, a mouthpiece of Beijing’s communist regime, reflects China’s nervousness over President Dissanayake’s choice of India as his first diplomatic destination as the head of state.

With Doval and Wang discussing critical issues in Beijing, the regional chessboard continues to reshape. China’s sermons on diplomacy, as reflected in The Global Times, highlight its own anxieties about India’s counterpunch in bilateral and multilateral ties — something that calls for an introspection by the communist regime, starting with a closer look at its own practices.