How China's New Foreign Relations Law Threatens India

China's new Foreign Relations Law, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, has been seen by some as a threat to India. The law gives China broad powers to impose "countermeasures" against countries or entities that it deems to be a threat to its national interests. This could include economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, or even military action.

India is particularly concerned about the law's potential impact on the ongoing border dispute between the two countries. In 2020, Chinese and Indian troops clashed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two countries. The clashes left 20 Indian soldiers dead and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers killed or injured.

The new law could give China the legal justification to take more aggressive action against India along the LAC. For example, China could impose economic sanctions on India, or it could cut off access to Chinese markets for Indian goods and services. This could have a significant impact on the Indian economy.

In addition, the law could make it more difficult for India to cooperate with other countries on issues of common interest, such as counterterrorism and climate change. This is because China could view such cooperation as a threat to its national security.

Overall, the new Foreign Relations Law is a significant development that could have a major impact on India's relations with China. India will need to carefully monitor the law's implementation and be prepared to take steps to protect its interests.