India - China: 14th Military Dialogue - Constructive without any Positive Outcome

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India - China: 14th Military Dialogue - Constructive without any Positive Outcome

The 14th round of India-China military dialogue Wednesday ended in continued stalemate. Both countries however, decided to work towards mutually acceptable solutions to resolving the Ladakh LAC stand-off. The next round is expected to be held soon to continue the momentum of discussions.

India failed to persuade the PLA towards disengagement from Gogra-Hot Springs near Kongka La as well as resolving patrolling rights issues in Depsang Bulge in Daulet Beg Oldi sector and Charding Nullah Junction in Demchok sector.

It is understood the Indian Army apparently raised the issue of PLA building a bridge over Pangong Tso, east of Srijap Complex, for faster troop deployment and rapid militarisation of the occupied Aksai Chin area by the Chinese Army all along the 597-km Ladakh LAC.

In pure diplomatic language, writes Shishir Gupta (Executive Editor, Hindustan Times) “the talks were constructive without any positive outcome and reaching mutually acceptable solutions is work in progress. This means both the Indian Army and the PLA commanders will continue to engage in future but there is no guarantee on whether the PLA will restore April 2020 status quo ante in Gogra-Hot Springs or resolve the Depsang Bulge or CNJ issue……

 

Chinese intent

“Fact is that the PLA with new border law and rapid military and technological upgradation on their side of the unresolved LAC is converting the 3,488 km line into Line of Control.”

The Chineses have decided to unilaterally change the LAC and impose the rejected 1959 cartographical line on the Ladakh LAC in May 2020. Since then the two sides are fully deployed with more than three divisions of troops on each side with missile, rocket, artillery and tank regiments apart from the Air Force being on standby in the hinterland. The PLA by transgressing in Pangong Tso, Galwan, Gogra-Hot Springs area in May 2020 broke the bilateral 1993 and 1996 peace and tranquility agreements signed at the level of heads of states.

In fact, more evidence is emerging that Chinese actions to strengthen border infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports and missile positions, began in 2019, many months before the standoff did. This evidence suggests, according to The Hindustan Times  “China’s ultimate aim is to enforce its unilaterally defined claim line of 1959 as the LAC. China also appears to have scant regard for various agreements and protocols that ensured peace and tranquillity on the LAC for decades.”

 

Tough talk by Indian Army chief

With diplomatic and military talks between India and China failing to lead to comprehensive disengagement and de-escalation in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) almost two years after the two sides got into a military standoff, Indian Army chief, General MM Naravane, has signalled Wednesday that New Delhi will not let down its guard even as it persists with the path of dialogue. Gen Naravane made it clear that the threat in eastern Ladakh had ‘by no means reduced’ and the Army would continue to deal with the Chinese military in a firm manner. He also asserted that if a war was thrust upon India, the country would come out victorious.

The truth, writes the Hindustan Times  “is there are no other options for the Indian side. As in the case of other countries that have been at the receiving end of China’s belligerence and aggressive actions, India’s policy-makers have realised that Beijing’s engagement in talks appears to be aimed more at dragging out the standoff while the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), bolstered by the country’s new land border law, tries to increase its presence in disputed regions on the borders. This is happening in both India and Bhutan.”

While China’s systematic build-up of infrastructure along the LAC has elicited a strong response from India, which has been raising structures of its own to fortify its defences and facilitate faster movement of troops, New Delhi’s eagerness to settle differences through dialogue underlines its commitment to peace and stability in the region. However, China’s aggressive posturing and its cartographic interventions — described by India as a ‘ridiculous exercise’ to support untenable territorial claims — are proving to be major stumbling blocks.

 

China wants to dominate India militarily and in every other sector

In the circumstance, writes Abhijit Bhattacharyya (alumnus of the National Defence College, and the author of China in India) “Delhi needs to be fully prepared. From the bridge across the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh, to the Doklam tri-junction and further east to Arunachal Pradesh, the Chinese are on a building spree — of fortifications, roads, railway lines and ‘villages’ — which will help the People’s Liberation Army dig in for the long haul all across the 3,500 km-long Line of Actual Control.

Chinese counsellor’s undiplomatic letters to the six MPs: “Elsewhere, the distress signals are out there for all to see as harmful developments evolve thick and fast…..The naked violation of India’s sovereignty by PRC wolf warrior ‘diplomats’ based in New Delhi, with written threats directed at members of Parliament, is tantamount to stupid, ignorant, uncivilised intervention in India’s internal affairs.”

The Chinese counsellor’s letters to the six MPs said: “I have noticed that you attended an activity held by the so-called All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet and interacted with some so-called members...”  The official’s arrogance further manifests itself when he continues: “You are a senior politician who knows China-India relations well... It is hoped that you could refrain from... and make a contribution to China-India bilateral relations”.

Bhattacharyya states this is not the language of diplomats.

“No sovereign nation with an iota of self-respect will want to be a laughing stock in the eyes of the world, and tolerate such unacceptable conduct within its territory. It is surprising Beijing’s ambassador has not yet been summoned over this and the counsellor in question not been declared ‘persona non grata’.”

The attempt, by China  “is not just to dominate India militarily….. but in every other sector as well….”


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