Buddhism: An Ancient Point In The China - India Synergy

Abstract

For both China and India, Buddhism is a useful enhancer of cultural soft power. The religion has, over the past decade, increased in importance for India as New Delhi tries to reenergize the religious tradition and integrate it into the country’s cultural strength; for China, meanwhile, Buddhism is animportant means of soothing domestic discontent and staving off risks to its territorial integrity. This article finds how Buddhism has strengthen the bilateral ties between two countries. Buddhism, which China has begun describing as an “ancient Chinese religion”, and India which has started to incorporate genuine spiritual elements, now operates as a tool of synergise cooperation amongst two nations. Also, as both seek influence among Buddhist countries and international Buddhist organisations, this article finds that whether use of Buddhism by different means is straightforwardly tactical and influential enough or not.