The military-led talks lasted for thirteen hours to ease border tensions. India demanded an end to the incursions in eastern Ladakh and an end to the conflict in the Depsang Cape and Demchok. The discussion, however, did not reach its goal. Is it China’s policy to create persistent problems on neighbor’s borders?
E2021 was a year in which Indian diplomacy was most active. In the midst of the epidemic, Indian leaders, especially External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, traveled extensively and attended various gatherings. India was not only in touch with specially selected friends. Talks were held with the United States, China and Russia. Linked to Pakistan and the Taliban.
India’s voice has been raised on Kovid defense, world peace, peacekeeping in the Indo – Pacific, the new Cold War and environmental issues. As President of the Security Council, he was involved in world affairs. But India was disappointed on two of the most important issues. India has not been able to drive China out of the disputed territories and establish a representative government in Afghanistan.
The news coming from the Chinese border in the new year is not good. Despite the border talks at the military level, China’s clues are clear. While these may not seem provocative, it should be noted that they do not hesitate to defend the occupied territories and strengthen their claims.
The first incident was a video released by the Chinese military. Scenes of Chinese troops celebrating the New Year together in the Galvan Valley. They sang and danced to Chinese songs while displaying a large Chinese flag. The flag was flown in the Chinese capital.
Eighty percent of the Galvan Valley is under Chinese control, so this celebration should not be seen as a threat. But many of the things that China usually does have some special meaning. Their purpose was to inform the world of a fact that the Galvan Valley was in their hands. India did not need to respond, but China’s intention was significant. It should be considered part of the psychological battle. It is also important to note that this happened during the exchange of sweets between the two armies as part of the New Year.
The second incident took place in Arunachal Pradesh. Although China calls Arunachal Pradesh South Tibet and declares the entire state to belong to China, the whole world recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. However, in the New Year, China announced Chinese names for 15 areas in Arunachal Pradesh as part of its efforts to establish Chinese rights. It’s not so important that these areas have new names on Chinese maps. It is important to note, however, that China changed its name as part of a new border law that came into force in January. India reacted strongly against this.
Even more serious and strategic was China’s construction of a bridge over the narrowest part of the Pangong River. When Indian troops entered Mount Kailash on the Indian side last year, China protested heavily and India withdrew. However, China decided to build the new bridge for fear that India would still enter there and understand the Chinese military’s moves. The bridge is located near the Gharnak Fort, which has been under Chinese rule since 1958. Therefore, the construction of this bridge was a step that India could not resist. It is on the Chinese side, 18 miles from the Line of Control. However, the benefit to China from building this bridge is that the distance for their military operations has been reduced from 150 km to 40 km. The bridge was built in preparation for India’s re-entry into Mount Kailash.
No news from the Chinese border. Therefore, China’s New Year’s events should be seen as an attempt to protect China’s interests. China is trying to move forward without backing down. It does not advertise India’s efforts to increase its infrastructure and military might. Economic ties with China are also strengthening. However, China’s action should be taken as an indication that the border will become tense again and things will move dangerously.
The author was India’s diplomatic representative in various countries
Content Highlights:India- China border dispute; T.P.Sreenivasan writes
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