Beijing’s foreign ministry on Thursday dismissed India’s recent partnership with Japan on a “free and open Indo‑Pacific” as merely symbolic, saying New Delhi would “never win genuine recognition” for its efforts and warning that the initiative could exacerbate competition over critical minerals.
The statements came after Indian officials and their Japanese counterparts launched a joint declaration in Tokyo, pledging cooperation on maritime security, infrastructure development and the supply chain of rare earths, lithium and other minerals essential for clean‑energy technologies.
China’s ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, told reporters that the “free and open Indo‑Pacific” concept, promoted by India and Japan, is “a thinly veiled attempt to contain China” and “a dangerous move that will undermine regional stability.” He added that India’s claim to be a “key player” in the Indo‑Pacific “lacks substantive backing” and that New Delhi “will never win genuine recognition” from regional partners.
The Chinese narrative mirrors earlier diplomatic warnings that the Indo‑Pacific framework, championed by the United States and its allies, is a strategic tool aimed at curbing Beijing’s growing maritime and economic influence.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued an immediate response. In a prior statement, the ministry described the India‑Japan cooperation as “a natural extension of our shared commitment to a rules‑based order, the rule of law and the peaceful use of the seas.”
Analysts note that the criticism comes at a time when both India and Japan are deepening ties over critical mineral supply chains, a sector where China currently dominates production and processing. The push to diversify sources is driven by concerns over supply security for electric‑vehicle batteries, renewable‑energy infrastructure and defence technologies.
Analysis:
The Chinese remarks appear designed to counter a narrative that positions India as an emerging strategic counterweight to Beijing in the Indo‑Pacific. By questioning India’s credibility, Beijing may be seeking to deter further alignment between New Delhi and Japan, especially in areas that could erode China’s dominance over critical minerals.
India’s partnership with Japan reflects a broader trend of regional powers seeking alternative supply routes and processing capabilities for rare earths and lithium, reducing reliance on Chinese exports. While the “free and open Indo‑Pacific” language echoes U.S. policy, it also serves domestic political purposes for India, showcasing its role as a maritime power.
The diplomatic spat is unlikely to alter the substantive cooperation already underway between India and Japan, which includes joint research, investment in mineral extraction projects in third‑party countries, and coordinated naval exercises. However, Beijing’s public rebuke may signal a willingness to intensify diplomatic pressure or economic measures to protect its interests in the mineral market.
Sources
Indian Express, “Beijing comments on free and open Indo‑Pacific, critical minerals,” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/beijing-comments-on-free-and-open-indo-pacific-critical-minerals-10770439/
Story synopsis gathered from: Indian Express – India — source
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