On the occasion of China celebrating August 1 as the People’s Liberation Army Day, military brass of China and India met for a friendly meet at Border Meeting Points (BMPs) in Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) sectors of Eastern Ladakh. The goodwill meeting came about in the aftermath of recent transgression by the Chinese in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This episode notwithstanding, both sides showed interest in strengthening all mechanisms that would contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control.
We have 4057 kilometers long LAC with China in Eastern Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. This shows how much importance has to be given to maintaining cordial and friendly relations with China. We have noted that in past, PLA has been committing transgression of LAC intermittently. This has become an irritant in cordial relations between the two neighbouring countries. China’s general contention is that the McMahon Line drawn by the British that divides the territories of India and China is a legacy of the British imperialists and hence is not acceptable to her. But New Delhi’s contention is that the Chinese did not raise any objection to that line as long as Britain ruled over India and their objection surfaced only when India became independent. However, China has been conducting forays intermittently by way of intimidating India and trying to assert its aggressive posture. We have also had to fight a war with China because of border dispute.
Apart from China’s intransigence, the fact is that the McMahon Line is not really very clear and definite at many places and leads to confusion. Many parts of LAC are unmarked. Therefore, the benefit of doubt should go to both sides and China should not make unilateral decision of intruding into Indian Territory which she has been indulging in. However, of late, China has been veering round more and more towards mutual talks and negotiations including certain irritants that still persist in regard to border with India.
All this notwithstanding, at the top level, leadership in both the countries is fully convinced of the necessity of maintaining cordial relations and resolving irritants through dialogue. This is because both of them are big countries, ancient civilizations and fully conscious of great responsibility they bear for maintaining peace not only along the border but also in the Asian Continent and the world at large. It is in this spirit that field commanders of two sides have been meeting at selected points along the border and on special occasions to celebrate a function of either side jointly. This is a good example of maintaining friendly relations and removing irritants through negotiations. It is more than three years that there have not been any big or sizeable intrusions by the PLA and India has no specific complaint in this connection. Indian troops participated in the grand celebrations at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldi and the officers talked cordially for nearly two hours. It augurs well for a better relationship between the two countries in times to come.
This bonhomie is all right and we appreciate that such a cordial atmosphere should be supported by all means. However, countries have to look their national interests and not submit to emotions. It is a fact that China, as economic and military power, aspiring to be the world leader would not like India, as much in size and population to become its rival and thwart its political ambitions. Therefore, rivalry between the two countries is a foregone conclusion. As such, China will try all she can not to allow India secure a prestigious status in the comity of nations. China opposes India’s admission to the Security Council. China thwarts and vetoes any resolution brought before the Security Council that serves the global interests of India. China strengthens and fortifies its military installations that have strategic importance in containing India’s growth as an Asian power. China has poured cold water over the expectations of India that world community will declare some notorious Pakistani as terrorist and responsible for attacks in Mumbai. This is despite the fact that China is faced with Uighur Islamic fundamentalist terrorism in her Eastern Province of Xingjian. Not only that, China has given greater offence to India by illegally occupying 5000 square kilometers of Indian territory in Aksai Chin in Northern India. Not only that, of late China has made deep inroads into Gilgit and Baltistan, an area that belongs to India but has been illegally occupied by Pakistan. China has been lukewarm on India’s right over the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
This all is very well known to us. Yet despite these discouraging stances adopted by China, India still wants to handle China with the established standards of international relations. India hopes that a great nation like China will one day realize that it cannot treat India, another great and historical nation, that cheaply. India felt unhappy when China voted against India’s inclusion in the Security Council. She did not protest or give any provocation to China in the hope that China will have to bow to the views of the international community.
In final analysis, we appreciate the wisdom and foresight of our policy planners in the North Block who, notwithstanding offences and irritations, want to maintain cordial relations with China like great nations with a futuristic vision of situations.
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