Q.2 China’s growing influence in the Pacific region, including in the Indo-Pacific, and further strengthened by the entente with Russia, may hardly be a by-product of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, but it has induced fresh energy into the region. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments-

• https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-global-order-caught-up-in-a-swirl-of-chaos/article65682489.ece
• In the intro, mention that the Ukraine crisis has intensified the concerns of countries in the Indo-Pacific.
• In the body mention that growing closeness between China-Russia and assertive behaviour of China has heightened the concerns in the region. The US has responded to the situation through AUKUS and Quad, Partners in the Blue Pacific etc. However, the region lacks the unity of purpose and reluctance to take side in the conflict.
• Conclude by mentioning that apart from the Ukraine crisis there are many significant changes taking place on the global stage.