DOUBLE TALK

THE world can see clearly the Chinese double standards. On one hand, the Chinese troops in big numbers are indulging in a provocative action along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and on the other hand Beijing’s Ambassador to New Delhi, Mr. Sun Weldong is talking about not allowing differences to overshadow bilateral ties. This deliberate positioning is part of Chinese strategy over time -- to cajole India on one hand, and to coax it into submission on the other.

Their current action and talk are in tune with these tactics -- obviously with the idea of keeping India off-balance. They don’t seem to realise that this purpose will never succeed. That is primarily because the Chinese are still holding on to their old perception about India as a nation with a weak spine, with scant respect to the reality that a lot of water has flowed in the river since 1962 and that the India of today is far different from the India of those times. It is perplexing that the Chinese -- who are tough practitioners of hard core diplomacy -- would miss the new reality of India. There are reasons to believe that they are fully aware of how India has changed over time. that is also the reason why they are responding positively to India’s diplomatic initiatives in the past 5-6 years.

Yes, there was a 72-day face-off at Doka La two years ago. And now has come the time for another one at Pangong Tso lake area in Ladakh. There is every reason to believe that this, too, would pass off without much damage to bilateral ties as the diplomatic process would soon take over and sort things out. This is exactly the reason to wonder why the Chinese started the current tension -- particularly when they are now talking about importance of bilateral relations over differences. Or, is it that they are only pushing sort of a test- case to know the levels of India’s preparedness?

To this question, a straight answer would never be possible. The Chinese belligerence and inscrutable behaviour should be matters of global study. They have used both these tools quite effectively in their foreign policy management. Now also, as they order massing up of more than 5,000 troops along the LAC, and also talk of diplomatic discourse, they are using the two tools in their own way. What must be surprising the Chinese is India’s cool seriousness about handling the Pangong Tso lake challenge. Obviously, India has practised this coolness to an amazingly high level over the years. India has not taken the Chinese overture lightly, and has, therefore, refurbished the defences in the area to match the Chinese preparations. Yet, there is no anxious action by India.

All the Chinese are able to see is India’s high-class professionalism in military and diplomatic matters. Frankly, the Chinese must realise that they cannot browbeat India in any manner, as New Delhi has long back done a permanent course-correction to a telling effect. That it has strengthened its military machine, is only one aspect of India’s new positioning.

The other part is the change in its diplomatic process. This is a core-change -- in form and content. Indian diplomacy was always known for its polish. Now it is getting known for its no-nonsense practicality as well. In fact, this should not be a new thing. For, in the past 5-6 years, India has handled the Chinese challenge in both zones -- of the mind and the muscle -- which the Chinese leadership has experienced at the informal summits and formal meetings at all levels. There is no doubt that Beijing would take the diplomatic route seriously and avoid any military confrontation at least in the current situation. But until the present face-off is totally over, it is futile to build assessment scenarios. For, in simple words, the situation in Ladakh is on the edge.