China and India

China and India have historically been both regional rivals and economic partners. While China has risen in influence to become the world’s second-largest economy, India represents the world’s second-largest population and maintains the third-largest military. Relations between China and India have been further complicated by the two countries’ attempts to interpret and take advantage of the US “pivot” to Asia. Points of tension in China-India relations include territorial disputes over the Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin regions, and competition for economic opportunities in Africa. This session will compare the key differences between China and India’s political and economic development, and how China’s new leadership may change or continue China’s policies toward India.

China’s Defense Policy

After the inauguration of China’s new leadership, how will China’s defense policy change or continue from that of the previous generation? How will China’s new leadership manage its relations with the Chinese military? What will be the role of the People’s Liberation Army in the near future? How will China’s naval power projection affect regional politics? How will military research and development feature in China’s defense spending? Which areas of the Chinese defense industry will be emphasized or receive reduced attention? Finally, how will the United States and neighboring countries perceive change and reform in China’s defense policy?

Public Opinion in China

The development of communication technologies in China and new connections being formed with the cyber-community both inside and outside of China have given rise to a new platform for civic participation, particularly among the younger generations. How do public expectations conveyed through the media affect China’s domestic and foreign policies? How might nationalism affect China’s public opinion with regard to foreign relations? How will Chinese public opinion influence China-ROK relations? To what extent does the enhanced capability of Chinese public opinion act as an indicator of the influence of the public on government policy and political reform?