China-U.S.-India

Triangle relationships usually occur between three parties that are neither friends nor allies. The subtle nature of the triangle, wherein change of one pair of bilateral ties impacts the other two geopolitically, is determined by many factors, among which pursuit for balance of power in the changing landscape of geopolitics is usually the most decisive. In this context, the interactions among China, the U.S. and India in recent years seem to have brought up the birth of a new triangle in international politics. It is the U.S. that pushed for this interactive formula in the first place when India’s role and function as a counterweighing element was perceived. The dynamics have remained unchanged since the U.S. decided to make a nuclear deal with India despite various difficulties. However, China, the subject against which India was seen as a counterweight, is trying to keep itself away from the game in order to diminish the impacts of these interactions. Dealing with the other two nations separately, China continues to work on improving and redefining China-India relations not because of closer U.S.-Indian ties, but rather, because of its perception of India’s status as both its close neighbor and another rising power. This particular situation puts India in a position to play its own balancing game to maximize its self-interests. India’s pursuit for global power status will be promoted by its attempts toward achieving economic growth and military buildup. In both areas, India is likely to obtain more leverage in keeping a balanced approach to handling China and the U.S. In that sense, the geopolitical model between the three is already taking shape, if only perceptually, though it is still far away from substantial operation in real politik terms. Given the different sizes and power statuses of China and India, the U.S. may find it difficult to manage its relations with both nations, and the future of the triangle will thus remain largely uncertain.