Theme T114 · International Relations

China: BRI, CPEC, String of Pearls & economic leverage

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask BRI turning South Asia into a great-power theatre, China using trade surplus to build military power, String of Pearls and India's counter-steps, and CPEC threats to India.

Prepare these

• BRI and CPEC: projects through PoK, sovereignty objection
• String of Pearls: Gwadar, Hambantota, Chittagong, Kyaukphyu
• Debt-trap concerns in South Asia
• India's counters: SAGAR, Quad, Chabahar, connectivity projects, Necklace of Diamonds
• Trade deficit and economic dependence

Answer writing

• Map ports and corridors; link to border security

Directive words in these PYQs: Analyse (1), Enumerate (1), Why (1), Discuss (1), Examine (1), Critically (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L17 — India and its neighborhood- relations.
• GS3-L17 — Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

All 5 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202615 marks · 250 wordsGS2-IR-01-M2026-S01

   “China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in South Asia

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2. GS32018GS3-SEC-02-M2018-S01

   The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.

   Also needs: T168 Border management: China & Pakistan borders, BADP, drones, airspace, LadakhCopyReport a typo
3. GS22017GS2-IR-01-M2017-S01

   ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

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4. GS32014GS3-SEC-02-M2014-S02

   China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine.

   Also needs: T168 Border management: China & Pakistan borders, BADP, drones, airspace, LadakhCopyReport a typo
5. GS22013GS2-IR-01-M2013-S02

   What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.

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