India's new "offense is the best defense policy" against China Seems being effective. Just because we are good to innocent… In...
India's new "offense is the best defense policy" against China
Seems being effective.
Just because we are good to innocent…
Indian Army rescues Chinese nationals in north Sikkim
2 Chinese men and 1 women had lost their way in North Sikkim Plateau & were stranded at 17,500 ft at sub-zero temperature. Army personnel also provided them with food and warm clothes.
Compare this with: Chinese Army allegedly abducts 5 Indians in Arunachal Pradesh, probe launched
…doesn’t mean we can’t stand up to bullies.
Retaliation possible, says Chinese media after India beats China at its own game by occupying key LAC heights
Indian forces have valiantly thwarted Chinese intrusions into Indian side of Southern banks of Pangong lake and occupied key strategic locations on its Northern side. Although the Chinese Media portrays it as Indian intrusion in their area (as in link above), it too admits that India has bested China strategically.
(Explained in coming section)
Before discussing Indian military and diplomatic tactics, let’s understand Chinese modus operandi.
China is perhaps the only country in post WW2 era that believes in territorial expansion at expense of neighbours. For this, it resorts to something, known as “SALAMI SLICING” or “CABBAGE STRATEGY”, which means: instead of waging war and capturing large swathes of foreign lands at once, it chips away small foreign territories by starting small infrastructure development or troop build-up in that location, thereby putting its claim over that area, & furthering its borders.
Thus, even if it fails to capture this “slice” owing to the objection of neighbouring country, its status-quo changes and it comes under “disputed” territory, thereby giving China a chance to win it at negotiation table.
China is further motivated by the unclear demarcation of most its (actual) southern border due to the difficult terrain comprising mountains, valleys and non-motorable roads.
- China recently tried same tactics in June, thereby targeting Galwan Valley which was hitherto considered an undisputed Indian Territory.
- Despite ongoing talks of disengagement, China continues to lay cables and building 5G infrasture at disputed sites.
- In 2017, China tried to build a road in Bhutanese area of Doklam, triggering a stand-off between Chinese PLA and Indian forces acting on behalf of Bhutan.
- China encroached Vietnamese Paracel Island and Johnson Reef by building Sansha City there.
- That’s how China captured Aksai-Chin (which wasn’t taken seriously by then PM Nehru).
- Bolstered by 1962 victory, Chinese troops started digging trenches on Sikkim (then Indian protectorate) side in 1967. They were thwarted by Indian forces following bloody clashes and Indian victory.
Apart from border areas, China likes to thrust its influence in South China sea by acquiring a number of foreign ports and creating artificial islands which can act as naval military bases when required and can block the trade routes of neighbouring countries (read India) during a cold war.
An imaginary line joining these ports is called “STRING OF PEARLS” and see, how it encircles India strategically:
To acquire these ports, China uses its DEBT TRAP policy. For example it acquired Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka at 99 years lease, after latter failed to pay its debt. Similarly, China purchased Maldivian land and dredged out artificial islands there. Pakistanese Gwadar port is anyway theirs.
Now, let’s see how India is standing up to its bully neighbour with fitting aggresion as well as tact.
1 . Border row:
Let’s understand the battlefield where current tensions are going on.
This is Pangong Tso lake, which is divided into Indian and Chinese territory by so-called LAC. Now, this LAC is loosely demarcated due to tough mountainous terrains and not fenced like a usual border. And as per 1996 agreements soldiers on both side of border refrain from using firearms and in case of heated scuffles resort to fist fight and batons etc.
As can be seen in image, Northern Portions of mountains along this lake are labelled as “fingers”. Until now, portion West of Finger 8 belonged to India but tensions started when Chinese troops staked claims up to Finger 4. This caused the clash in June.
Now, while the talks are underway to settle this dispute on Northern side, Indian army observed Chinese encroachment on Southern side of lake (night of 29th-30th August).
Aided by Special Frontier Force (SFF) (aka Vikas Battalion) a force comprising brave Tibetan soldiers, India thwarted the Chinese troops and took control of Black Top hill. Also, in a pre-emptive move SFF took control of the key strategic location of Chusul hill, which foils the Chinese attempt of any further advancement on Southern side of Lak
Good news is that- After thwarting Chinese encroachment on southern side, India has also taken Control of strategic heights on Northern side of Pangong Tso, thus placing itself in a commanding position even there.
2. Skirmishes of wits in Indian Ocean:
Narrow water passage between Singapore and Malaysia called “STRAIT OF MALACCA”, provides an important trade route (around 80% oil trade) to China with Middle East and European countries.
The Indian military base in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is strategically located at the mouth of Malacca Strait, which India plans to choke in case China get more hostile in the Indian Ocean Region.
Further, India and US navy are jointly holding massive drills through this area to “infuriate” China.
As an answer to Chinese ”String of Pearls” India is developing its own “Necklace of Diamond” by signing treaties and acquiring bases near Chinese pearls to neutralise them.
3. Aggressive Diplomacy:
Much of India’s tactical moves in Indian Ocean discussed above are based on its strengthened diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries as well as with aggressive anti-China powers like U.S. and Russia.
- India signed various military logistics pact with U.S., France, South Korea, and Singapore to ensure interoperability, refueling of warships and use of military bases.
- To milk the pandemic situation crash of stock prices, People’s Bank of China increased its share in HDFC from 0.8 to 1.01%. Almost immediately, Indian Finance ministry changed the FDI rule, making it compulsary for border-sharing countries to seek Indian Government approval before investing.
- Recently, Japan announced subsidy for companies exiting China and picking India. Also, Outgoing Japanese PM Shinzo Abe will hold last virtual summit on Sept 10, to sign a military logistics sharing pact with India.
More power to the brave Indian soldiers, soldiers of SFF and Government of India.
Jai Hind.
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