Countering Chinese Moves

China has now become blatantly unscrupulous. It is desperately trying to ignite the flame, which had remained extinct since 1962. At the end of the 1962 war, it was decided that both sides would hold on to their positions. They will not try to move even slightly forward or backward. They will not take any provocative action either.

India has remained true to its word but China did not sit idle. Its helicopters violated India's space at times or its Army would be mobilized at the international border, off and on, adding to India's anguish.

Breach of Promise
The latest example of its breach of promise was seen in the Karakoram Range sector of Laddakh, which is linked with the international border. Reports that the border has been gradually advancing toward India are being received.

If these reports are confirmed China will be seen to have abandoned the policy of two steps backward, one step forward, opting only for the forward move. Its soldiers are busy in construction work there and are threatening Indian shepherds.

It is strange to hear the Army and the state government issuing contradictory statements, despite such a major development. Intelligence agencies of the state government substantiate reports of their gradual advancement. But the Army immediately dismisses them.

Change Fixed Ideas
On an earlier occasion when reports of a Chinese helicopter flying over Indian space were received, the ministry of external affairs and the Army had both preferred to describe it as a small matter. There was no definite purpose behind it.

A fight with a neighbor should certainly to be avoided. But this does not imply that our neighbor disturbs our sleep in trying to awaken a slumbering demon and we try to satisfy ourselves with the excuse that it is just some noise, which will die out soon.

It is a little difficult to understand China. In order to do this we have to change the fixed ideas we have about China. This is the very same country whose patronage often delights our neighbor Pakistan and makes Nepal feel that India is not treating it as an equal.

China's Intention and Ambition
If major powers are not taken into consideration for some time, the fact has to be admitted that Asian countries, which want to progress (they may not actually be working toward this goal) are trying to bully others with their imperialist designs, just like the United States and other big powers do.

What China is doing and why it is doing so is hardly the issue. Its intention and ambition are quite clear. What matters is how are we planning to counter China's moves? How long will we continue to demonstrate our nobility?