Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'No bowing down to Chinese demands' that was published in Newsband

No bowing down to Chinese demands

India-China relations are in fresh turmoil. New Delhi should address the border standoff with Beijing at a political level. The present situation had much in common with the tense standoff in 2013 in Ladakh. The two sides have levelled allegations and counter-allegations at the political level. So any meaningful dialogue will have to commence at the political level.  

The Indian position is based on the understanding of 2012, whereby any discussion on the tri-junction has to be done in consultation with the third country. The Indian Army supports RGB (Royal Bhutan Army). The problem was due to the road construction activity begun by the Chinese. The road under construction is not desirable from India’s point of view as it would give the Chinese’s heavier vehicles access to the southernmost edge of the Chumbi valley.

India should step up her surveillance capabilities, build infrastructure in the border areas, and further develop the capabilities to handle any such incidents in the future.

The capacity of China to stir the cauldron further should not be underestimated. Army veterans have rightly suggested a political solution. As mature countries, both China and India know the evils of a war. No doubt theborder agreements need to be honoured and very rightly the discussions are on at political levels.

Somehow our people and Government, states and center, are after goods and equipment from toys to heavy electrical system supplied by China. God knows what is in the back doors. As a result substandard items are imported at the cost of our own public sector. It is at this stage extreme dependability is initiated. We slowly got out of track luckily not affecting our economy to a point of no return. At least now we all have to wake up and learn to lead a dignified life even though we have to pay something more.

It is true that war cannot give life but it can only take away life. But the so called war has to be razed in this direction with immediate effect. It better to die standing on legs rather than live the entire life on knees. If Chinese want a war give them one. Even Vietnam gave these Chinese a bloody war. India is a sovereign country. China cannot dictate things. Similarly it cannot come out with some rag tag maps and books saying so and so many years back this part or that part of land was part of China. No bowing down to the Chinese demands.

How many days will India play the role of listener. It’s like postponing the conflict for next generations. Our firm stand will build confidence in our people. Otherwise 1962 syndrome is still biting the young minds. The present situation has risen because Modi is posturing for Trump to take notice of India at the G20 Summit. Chinese are so scared of Modi and India. Right now they are looking for cheap ways (like blocking Kailash tourists) to prove their point.