Chinese game of intrusion

Hi,

I know I missed last week's deadline. I am making this a habit. But I am trying to break it too. It was due to my inability to access to internet. Anyway my last week's post is here below.


There is a major security concern rising in our north eastern border. I am talking about the Chinese intrusions and diplomatic pressure tactics (Protest on Dalai Lama visit to Arunachal Pradesh). But I would like to first of all state that I am not concerned about a full blown war with China. There is lot at stake for China to risk, as much as India. I believe that the Chinese ploy here is intimidation, distraction and finally gradually extension of borders.

Let me take last line in the reverse order.

gradual extension of border: Chinese cannot just walk into India with million bullets and hundred bombs as they did in the 1960s. Now there is lot more international attention towards this part of the world, India is better equipped to resist and give good fight, if not win. Most importantly economy and international relations will be at stake. Of course, there is a possibility of nuclear war too(which i close to 0). Most importantly if a full out war takes place and that India bashes them, the whole concept of communist China will come into question. So I believe that This full out war is not probable. But to extent its strategic strong holds and to have better and easier land access to Pakistan and Afghanistan it needs to extend its borders. So while the Indian administration sleeps they just walk in paint rocks, send shepherds and after a few years claim that they have been there for decades. Wallah!

distraction: We know of many circumstances where the Chinese have been party to anti - India activities and propaganda. Latest example is the attempt to block the NSG waiver for nuclear agreement with USA. The Chinese might be just trying to have a distraction tactic for some other bigger scheme, may be to be carried out by somebody else. It might be just that they are playing the dummy. (If so then they deserve a Oscar). This might also be to distract their local population, where there is loads of resentment regarding the financial situation. Might be they need a reason to put patriotism to the cards and there is no neighbor who would even attempt to stand up to the Chinese other than India (Of course Taiwan and Hong Kong are there, but Chinese claim that to be part of them. So it will be harder to sell to the people.)


intimidation: Well, they are just pushing us to see who will blink first. That might give them another opportunity to prove to the international community who is bigger and who is stronger. We need to be concerned about this and should not take even a single wrong step. I believe that in this front our current govt is doing a good job. While the political leadership and the bureaucracy is sending out the 'everything is good' signal, the defense forces are preparing and making assessments. I believe that will be for the good.


Overall, I feel we should not over react, We should not give them an opportunity to corner us. Keep it simple. Officially play it down, be prepared and seal ever single inch of the border that can be done. Most importantly, don't pull out the troops from any other border (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal especially). Raise troops as per requirement. But reducing troops against any other border might just be what they are looking for.

We still have brave young men and women, ready to lay down their lives for this country at the blink of an eye.

26 11 2008, Lest we forget.