Pakistan heads a list of 10 countries considered the most influenced by China, according to the first ever study on the global influence wielded by the People’s Republic. Comparatively, India ranks at the bottom when it comes to China’s influence.
The study called the China Index published by China In The World Network (CITW) and partnered by the Taiwan-based CSO Doublethink Lab, collects data on China’s global influence to create a comparative geographical analysis.
“The China Index serves as a tool for societies to monitor their country’s relationship with China, uncover its influence and advocate for responsible bilateral ties,” the study says.
Doublethink Labs is an independent non-profit staffed by a team of 20 professionals structured across administration, Digital Intelligence, Global Research and Social Engagement. They work with civil society organisations across the Indo-Pacific and connect with partners in over 100 countries through the CITW network.
The China Index study covers 101 countries and nine thematic domains: Academia, Domestic Politics, Economy, Foreign policy, Law Enforcement, Media, Military, Society and Technology.
It also looks at Exposure, Pressure and Alignment to measure China’s influence. How does economic dependence translate into influence, what about media partnerships that convey a certain message and image about China, also are there financial or political benefits.
Based on this, the China Index puts Pakistan at the top of the table of 10 countries citing its long standing strategic partnership with China, its deep integration into the BRI, close military and security partnerships and heavy reliance on Chinese digital and telecom infrastructure.
It says that Pakistan is most influenced by China in the domains of Technology, Military and Foreign Policy.
No.2 on the list is Cambodia because of direct support from Beijing, heavy investments in infrastructure and technology, and security initiatives that have strengthened ties between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries.
Third on the list is Singapore because of the Chinese language media presence, tech and trade integration with Chinese firms and the strong academic partnerships with Chinese academia. China has made deep inroads into Singaporean society and also in terms of technology.
Indonesia is 7th on the list due to strong military collaboration including joint exercises, strong economic ties given China is a major investor and Beijing’s role in digital and infrastructure development.
Of the 101 countries surveyed in the China Index, India figures at 100 on the dependence table with El Salvador at the very bottom. While there are indications of a thaw in the India-China relationship, there is nothing to suggest the distrust that has been growing over a decade is diminishing.
Rather, India is still to make up its mind on opening the doors to Chinese investment, while the latter continues to hold back despite assurances on supply of rare earth magnets. Its close ties to the Pakistani military and opposition to the listing of terrorist groups in the United Nations indicates China sees India as a rival in Asia and therefore its rise must be stopped, delayed or diverted.
Thirty eight years in journalism, widely travelled, history buff with a preference for Old Monk Rum. Current interest/focus spans China, Technology and Trade. Recent reads: Steven Colls Directorate S and Alexander Frater's Chasing the Monsoon. Netflix/Prime video junkie. Loves animal videos on Facebook. Reluctant tweeter.
