Notwithstanding lofty rhetoric about a “community of common destiny for mankind”, on the ground, China is taking the gloves off and indicating it is ready to use force to impose its ever-expanding claims and preferences on neighbours.
Author
Sreeram Chaulia, Professor and Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA), O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana.
Summary
Skirmishes between hundreds of Chinese troops trying to cross the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern Tawang sector and well-prepared Indian forces who “contested” the intruders in a “firm and resolute manner” confirm that we are in an era of iterated rounds of conflict between Asia’s two biggest powers.
The fire that China lit by resorting to violence at Galwan Valley in June 2020 is far from extinguished. Rather, it is smouldering and threatening to flare up at different junctures along the 3,488-kilometre-long LAC as Beijing periodically ups the ante. After securing a record third consecutive term and concentrating all powers in his hands, president Xi Jinping is turning his attention to unfinished business, especially establishing China’s hegemony in Asia and achieving a Sino-centric regional order.
Notwithstanding lofty rhetoric about a “community of common destiny for mankind”, on the ground, China is taking the gloves off and indicating it is ready to use force to impose its ever-expanding claims and preferences on neighbours.
Published in: Hindustan Times
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