‘India-China relations a factor of stability amid global uncertainty’ ‘The only way to deal with the Chinese is directly’

‘India-China relations a factor of stability amid global uncertainty’ ‘The only way to deal with the Chinese is directly’

(Both Covered) Change in status quo: India – China Context

• Despite both the leaders meeting each other twice since Chinese demolished Indian bunkers in the Doklam plateau, the situation doesn’t seem to unwind.

Historical peace

• In 1980s, India had a modus vivendi with the Chinese.
• It was formalized during Rajiv Gandhi’s visit in 1988 and then during the border peace and tranquility treaty of 1993.
• It restricted both sides into maintaining the status quo and where they had doubts about a part of the boundary, they would actually sit down and talk their way through the problem.
• The situation at Sumdorong Chu (Wangdung, north of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, that saw action in 1986), took eight-10 years to resolve but it eventually did get resolved.

Current issue

• The western tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China issue involves three countries and all three countries have to agree on the posts.
• It represents a transformation in the status quo, because to build a road represents a permanent presence.
• The spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Office is concluding this is very as very serious issue. In most cases, earlier, it always amounted to restoring the status quo and then discussing whatever issues either side might have.
• India-China ties are under stress for some time, beginning with the Chinese attitude toward the membership of the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group).
• Masood Azhar’s listing (as a global terrorist by the UN), or the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), all of which adds to it.