An Appraisal of Chinese Communist Strategy Toward India and Pakistan
Abstract
India and Pakistan have the potential to become great powers. But, at the present time, their survival is threatened from within as well as from without. They are fighting a continuing battle against poverty, illiteracy, population pressures, communalism, casteism, linguistic and regional rivalries. Low productivity of agriculture and a shortage of foreign exchange constitute the chief economic bottlenecks in both countries. It is generally agreed that, if India and Pakistan are to develop, they must receive massive foreign aid until their economics reach the point of self-sustaining growth. The development of India and Pakistan is of extreme importance to the West for two major reasons. First, these countries offer other nations of the world a democratic model for development. Secondly, they provide a nucleus for a friendly power block in Southern Asia capable of checking Red China's expansion in Asia. Communist China is also struggling to develop. Its avowed aims are to build a powerful Communist state, achieve hegemony in Asia and reach the status of a great world power. Peking is determined to bring India and Pakistan within its sphere of influence. Failing in this goal, Communist China will exert every effort to prevent them from developing into strong and viable democracies. This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistan and India: identifies significant trends in actions of Red China in Southern Asia, and analyzes these actions in light of Peking's opportunities in India and Pakistan. Finally, the paper suggests possible objectives and strategy of Communist China toward India and Pakistan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA510121
Entities
People
- Dan H. Johnson
Organizations
- United States Army War College