The India-Pakistan conflict is one of the longest-running geopolitical rivalries in the world, centered around territorial disputes, especially Kashmir. While India and Pakistan are the primary actors, a third power—China—has played a consistent and evolving role in influencing the dynamics of this rivalry.
From military support to Pakistan to its own border disputes with India, China has emerged as a strategic stakeholder in South Asian geopolitics. In this article, we explore the role of China in India-Pakistan conflicts, including historical context, military ties, border tensions, and the broader China-Pakistan-India triangle.
1. Historical Background: The China-Pakistan Axis
Birth of the Alliance
China and Pakistan began forging ties in the 1950s, which strengthened after the Sino-Indian War of 1962. As India leaned closer to the Soviet Union, China and Pakistan found strategic alignment.
Key moments:
- In 1963, Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to China, a move India strongly objected to.
- This agreement laid the foundation of a deep geopolitical and military partnership between China and Pakistan.
Since then, China has often served as Pakistan’s “all-weather friend”, particularly in times of conflict with India.
2. China’s Role During India-Pakistan Wars
A. 1965 War
- During the Second Indo-Pak War, China offered diplomatic and rhetorical support to Pakistan.
- Although it issued a stern warning to India over border disputes, China did not intervene militarily.
- The conflict ended with the Tashkent Agreement, mediated by the Soviet Union, with China criticizing the accord for not favoring Pakistan more.
B. 1971 War and Bangladesh Liberation
- During the Third Indo-Pak War, China again offered political backing to Pakistan but refrained from military involvement.
- China hesitated to engage India directly due to:
- India’s superior military strength at the time.
- Concerns about Soviet retaliation, as India had signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace and Friendship in August 1971.
- Despite China’s support, Pakistan suffered a major defeat, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
3. Strategic and Military Cooperation Between China and Pakistan
China has been instrumental in building Pakistan’s defense capabilities, especially as a counterweight to India.
A. Weapons and Military Technology
- China is Pakistan’s largest arms supplier.
- From fighter jets (JF-17) to tanks and missiles, China has helped modernize Pakistan’s military.
- Joint military exercises and technology transfers have deepened ties.
B. Nuclear Assistance
- China played a controversial but key role in helping Pakistan develop its nuclear program.
- Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, developed in the 1990s, have significantly altered the India-Pakistan conflict landscape, especially under the doctrine of nuclear deterrence.
4. The Kashmir Factor: China’s Strategic Interests
China’s involvement in Kashmir is driven by both territorial and strategic motivations.
A. China’s Territorial Claim in Aksai Chin
- China controls Aksai Chin, a region claimed by India but integrated into China’s Xinjiang region.
- The area became a point of contention during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
- India sees both Aksai Chin (held by China) and PoK (held by Pakistan) as integral parts of its territory.
B. China’s Stake in Gilgit-Baltistan
- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, part of PoK.
- This has increased China’s economic and strategic interest in the region.
- India has strongly protested CPEC, asserting it violates Indian sovereignty.
5. China’s Role in Diplomatic and UN Platforms
China has used its permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to support Pakistan diplomatically:
A. Blocking India’s Efforts
- China has repeatedly blocked India’s attempts to designate Pakistani-based terrorists, like Masood Azhar, as global terrorists under the UN Sanctions Committee.
B. Kashmir Issue
- China often calls for a “peaceful resolution” of Kashmir, sometimes aligning with Pakistan’s call for third-party mediation.
- India, on the other hand, maintains that Kashmir is a bilateral issue, as per the Shimla Agreement.
6. Border Tensions Between India and China
China’s involvement in India-Pakistan conflicts cannot be separated from its own bilateral tensions with India.
A. Sino-Indian War (1962)
- China defeated India and occupied Aksai Chin.
- The war sowed long-term mistrust and shaped India’s defensive posture.
B. Doklam Standoff (2017)
- A faceoff near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, which ended after weeks of military buildup.
C. Galwan Valley Clash (2020)
- One of the deadliest clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in decades.
- It reshaped Indian public opinion and foreign policy toward China.
These border tensions serve as a strategic advantage for Pakistan, as India is forced to divide military resources between two hostile borders.
7. The China-Pakistan-India Triangle
The China-Pakistan alliance creates a two-front security challenge for India.
- Pakistan engages India in conventional warfare and proxy conflicts.
- China keeps pressure on India’s eastern front.
- Both countries share intelligence, logistics, and military cooperation.
This triangle affects:
- India’s military planning and defense spending.
- Regional trade, particularly through CPEC.
- South Asian diplomatic alignment, with countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives becoming contested spaces for influence.
8. India’s Counter-Strategies
A. Strengthening Border Infrastructure
India has increased infrastructure development in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh to counter China.
B. Quad and Indo-Pacific Alliances
India has aligned more with the United States, Japan, and Australia through the Quad grouping, countering China’s dominance in the region.
C. Balancing Diplomacy
India maintains relations with both Russia and the U.S., diversifying its diplomatic portfolio to reduce China’s strategic leverage.
9. China’s Interests in Keeping India and Pakistan Divided
China benefits from keeping India and Pakistan engaged in conflict, as it:
- Distracts India from rivaling China’s economic and military rise.
- Strengthens China’s role as a regional influencer.
- Justifies Chinese military presence in PoK and western Tibet.
Conclusion
China’s role in India-Pakistan conflicts is multi-dimensional—ranging from military support to Pakistan, territorial disputes with India, to geopolitical maneuvering in South Asia. The China-Pakistan nexus represents a strategic challenge to India, complicating regional peace and stability.
As India continues to rise economically and militarily, China’s vested interest in the Indo-Pak conflict is likely to persist, reinforcing the importance of strategic foresight, regional diplomacy, and multi-front defense planning in India’s approach to both adversaries.