Buddhist Diplomacy: How Small States Navigate China and India’s Rivalry

Small nations such as Bhutan and Singapore are utilizing Buddhist diplomacy to carve out strategic international influence and maintain autonomy amid the geopolitical competition between China and India, according to analysis by The Diplomat. These states leverage shared religious heritage to build networks of soft power that transcend their limited economic and military size.

Buddhist Diplomacy as a Strategic Tool for Small States

While major powers like China and India use Buddhism to project influence and claim historical legitimacy across Asia, smaller states employ the faith as a tool for diplomatic survival. According to The Diplomat, this practice allows these nations to engage in “Buddhist diplomacy,” which focuses on cultural exchange, religious pilgrimage, and the promotion of peace and mindfulness to establish a distinct identity on the global stage.

For these states, the strategy is not about regional dominance but about creating a “neutral” space for engagement. By positioning themselves as custodians of Buddhist values, they can attract foreign investment, tourism, and diplomatic goodwill without appearing to align exclusively with any one superpower.

Bhutan’s Role in Religious Diplomacy

Bhutan integrates Buddhism into its national identity and foreign policy to maintain its sovereignty. The state uses its status as a predominantly Buddhist kingdom to foster ties with other Buddhist-majority nations and practitioners worldwide. This approach helps Bhutan navigate its complex relationship with India and China, using its unique cultural and spiritual standing to ensure it is not overshadowed by its larger neighbors.

The Diplomat notes that Bhutan’s diplomacy often emphasizes the concept of Gross National Happiness, which is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. By exporting this model of development, Bhutan gains international recognition as a moral authority on sustainability and well-being, which translates into diplomatic leverage in multilateral forums.

Singapore’s Approach to Buddhist Networks

Singapore utilizes Buddhist diplomacy differently, reflecting its status as a global financial and logistics hub. Rather than using religion as a primary national identity, Singapore leverages its Buddhist community and institutions to strengthen ties with Asian neighbors. According to The Diplomat, this involves facilitating religious exchanges and supporting Buddhist initiatives that promote regional stability.

Singapore’s strategy focuses on the “interconnectedness” of Asia. By supporting Buddhist networks, the city-state enhances its role as a bridge between East and West, using religious diplomacy to supplement its economic ties and ensure a diverse set of strategic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

Contrast With Great Power Competition

The use of Buddhism by small states differs fundamentally from the “Buddhist diplomacy” practiced by China and India. The Diplomat reports that the larger powers often use the religion to justify territorial claims or to build political influence in Southeast Asia and the Himalayas.

In contrast, Bhutan and Singapore use these networks for:

• Maintaining diplomatic autonomy and avoiding forced alignment.
• Promoting a brand of “peaceful coexistence” to attract tourism and investment.
• Building soft-power coalitions based on shared values rather than military or economic coercion.

This distinction allows smaller states to operate in the gaps left by the rivalry between New Delhi and Beijing, using faith-based diplomacy to secure their interests without triggering the security dilemmas associated with traditional hard-power politics.