Browsing and flipping through news channels gave the deepest dose of disappointment looking at the figures of the deceased and martyred along the LAC in Ladakh. More than 20 Indian soldiers succumbed to their injuries given by the Chinese PLA troops in the Galwan valley, with the Chinese soldiers outnumbering and outplaying the Indians.
Why would they want to change the status quo at the Galwan Valley near the LAC, and for what purpose?
To decipher the pschyology of the PLA troops, there should be an acknowledgement and appreciation for the stratagem of Sun Tzu who was a Chinese general and a military strategist credited as the author of The Art of War. The book had a bearing on military strategy and is primarily focused on alternative to battle such as stratagem delay, the use of spies, and alternatives to war itself, the making and keeping of alliances, the uses of deceit and a willingness to submit, at least temporarily to more powerful woes.
Thus, it shapes an understanding on China’s meteoric rise as a key hegemon and dominant player in the region with its strategy to woo adoration and admiration from its neighbouring for a debt-laden infrastructure design and model. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative are but some of the chief characteristic features of exerting an influence over the policy of a country’s development, industrialization and modernization.
Nepal, a hilly landlocked country, has relied on China for attracting benefits. Thus, Nepal’s belligerent reaction on the Lipulekh Pass for Kailash Mansarovar made a lot of disquiet in New Delhi, and it was called as the handiwork of China. Our relations with Nepal are intimate and extraordinary, roti-beti to be more appropriate, sharing a common history, society and culture ingrained in the mutuality of our association and ties.
In my opinion, China tried to be unfair on the point, and part of it was concealing Corona facts and figures, including hiding the casuality count. Unwilling to come forward in providing inputs, support, assistance and cooperation to the countries fighting the scare of the virus’ spread and contraction. Wuhan became the early epicentre of Corona spread as those who warned earlier of the outbreak were allegedly severely dealt with by the authorities and agencies of the Communist state.
Now, it is encroaching and enlarging upon the terrain and territories of its neighbours by face offs and brewing troubles for it to remain relevant. Although the skirmishes in Ladakh and Sikkim by the Chinese troop began around two months ago, but the planning and formulation date back to 2017.
In June 2017, Chinese troops intruded into Doklam encouraging a military stand-off with India while attempting to extend a road on the Doklam plateau southwards near the Doka La pass. Indian troops moved in to prevent the Chinese. I think that what ired the Chinese was the close touch India had with Bhutan as the former acted on behalf of the latter valuing the sanctity of their special relationship.
The informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad and Mahabalipuram invested a lot in their trade ties by reciprocating on mutual cooperation and collaboration, adding to the growing dynamic synergy between both the countries.
However, it was momentary and short-lived as domestic issues began, taking head with Hong Kong coming under direct seizure as attempts were made to do away with the special administrative region status of Hong Kong. Many pro-democracy supporters were against the order and anarchy being brought in at the behest of China. Hong Kong’s chief executive Carrie Lam came in under the scrutiny of the protesting parties. These protests became egregious and violent, blowing out of proportions and bringing the city to a halt.
Similarly, China has been accused of meddling in the political affairs and matters of Taiwan, considered by China as a breakaway province that will be a part of the mainland China sooner than later. But Taiwanese, on the contrary, want a separate and distinct identity for themselves as a nation.
Recently, South China Sea has also became a flash point, with China regularly and repeatedly violating the sovereignty of the island contries at frequent intervals. Conquest and control being the premium for annexing or disputing a territory calling for limited escalation or the use of coercion. In this regard, no meaningful negotiation, deliberation and dialogue at any of the ranks and levels is possible until and unless China eschews this proposed practice, which is both senseless and spineless.