1. Home
2. Columnist

Sino-India relations: Genesis and way forward

By Kanchan Basu. Dated: 11/21/2017 10:21:30 AM

'Sino Indian Border Conflict' has got accelerated on account of 'Dokalam' stand-off. China published a map on the disputed 'Sikkim Territory' on 30th June, 2017. It has no similarity with the demands of either India or Bhutan. China had claimed that Indian forces have intruded their area.
Both the forces look upon the other doubtfully. Still it is true that none has fired a single shot during the last 55 years (Except 'Nathula Pass Conflict' in Sikkim, 1967).
The Dokalam Plateau is situated at the border of India, China and Bhutan. It is complained that India is constructing road intruding Bhutan. When India protested strongly and asked China to stop China demanded that Indian Army intruded their territory. And there will be no talks until Indian Forces are withdrawn from 'Dokalam'.
India points out that an agreement was made in 2012 with China with the consent of all parties to finalize the Border in Dokalam Area. No party can take unilateral decision in a 'Tripartite Border Area'. But China says that 'Dokalam' is their territory since ancient times. Moreover it is in Sikkim. Under the circumstances India reacted in a controlled way against the stiff warning of China.
India needs to think its options carefully.
The stand-off happened despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging with Chinese President Shi Zing Ping on the bank of the 'Sabarmati'.
In 2014 when China crossed the Border Modi and Zing Ping settled the dispute through bilateral talks in New Delhi. The situation was critical this time as the Chinese Forces tried to capture 'Indian Territory' very slowly.
After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister Indian Media personnel who visited 'Beijing' and 'Shanghai' clearly understood that China had apprehension about 'U.S.A.-India axis', which had recently developed. China really wanted that India desist from U.S.A. friendship and become a real friend of China. But 'Indian Foreign Policy' maintains equidistance from both 'U.S.A. and China' and to keep good relations with both.
India has been resorting to diplomatic efforts. India has been directly opposing 'Chinese stand' to support 'Pak sponsored terrorism'.
China's strong action this time also stems from the Dalai lama episode with respect to his visit to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. India took necessary action to make the visit a success inspite of 'Chinese Opposition'. The second reason is that India objected and opposed Chinese attempt to construct a road from Pakistan administered Kashmir (P.A.K.) to 'Gwadar Port' of Balochistan through Gilgit. The Third cause is Chinese President Zing's dream project 'One Belt And Road Initiative' for which China will be spending 50 billion dollars in next ten years. But India has not joined in it. So China did not waste time to make 'Dokalam' an issue.
If this unguarded area between 'Sikkim' and 'Bhutan' is occupied the aerial distance between Chinese position and Foot soling will be 30 k.m. Besides the chicken neck corridor of West Bengal which is the only connection of North East India with the rest of India would come directly under the surveillance of Chinese Forces. 'Doklam' will make Bhutan understand that China not India is their protector.
From her stand on 'Dokalam' , China has raised three questions : First, China has challenged Sikkim's accession to India by stopping pilgrimage to ' Kailash Mansarovar Yatra' through 'Nathula Pass'. Secondly in 2003 it was decided the 'Border Problem' would be settled by representatives of the two countries through discussion. 'Doklam' was an issue. But Chinese action raised the question of existence of diplomatic mechanism. The third most serious question centers round the special relation between 'Bhutan' and 'India'.
The transformation of China from 'Teng Ziao Ping' to 'Shi zing Ping' is note worthy. Teng's capitalism has became Himalayan during Shi. Being so powerful economically China is now coming out of economic shell and proceeding towards foundation of geographical imperialism.
Both sides can settle their disputes only diplomatically.