Perspective : India-China Border Dispute | 04 January, 2023

Summary

In this episode of 'Perspective' on Sunset TV, host Tinaja discusses India's strained relations with China, focusing on the recent comments by India's External Affairs Minister, who criticized China for unilaterally attempting to change the Line of Actual Control. The panel, including Professor Sanjay Bhardwaj, Major General Sivaj, and former Ambassador Prabhude, analyzes the minister's remarks, the history of border agreements, and China's aggressive actions. They also delve into India's preparedness and the broader geopolitical implications, including China's regional dominance ambitions and the impact on South Asian countries.

Takeaways

• 😠 The Indian External Affairs Minister, Jay Shankar, has criticized China for unilaterally trying to change the Line of Actual Control (LAC), indicating a disregard for past agreements and contributing to border tensions.
• 🏗️ China has been accused of building up military forces and infrastructure along the border, contrary to the agreements not to amass forces in border areas, leading to a strained relationship with India.
• 🗣️ The minister's remarks highlight that the responsibility for de-escalation lies with China, as it is they who have been escalating tensions by moving troops and building up along the LAC.
• 🛑 A major clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh has occurred recently, which is a clear sign of the ongoing conflict and the urgency of the situation.
• 🤔 The panelists on the show discuss the significance of the minister's remarks, suggesting that China's actions are part of a broader pattern of aggressive foreign policy and a desire to dominate the region.
• 🔄 China has a history of breaching trust with India, repeatedly violating agreements and treaties regarding the border, which has led to a breakdown in relations.
• 🛤️ India is ramping up its border infrastructure and military capabilities to match China's, including road building, bridge construction, and the development of a logistics supply system.
• 🚨 India is shifting its focus from the western border to the northern border, recognizing the growing threat from China and preparing for potential conflicts.
• 💪 India's military is developing a strong stance, with the establishment of new strike corps and the repositioning of forces to be able to counter any Chinese aggression effectively.
• 🌐 The discussion also touches on China's broader strategic interests in South Asia, including energy resources and infrastructure projects, which could lead to further regional tensions.
• 🕊️ Despite the current strained relations, there is an acknowledgment that both India and China need to work together for the betterment of the region, but this requires trust and peaceful coexistence.

Q & A

What was the main point of External Affairs Minister Jay Shankar's remarks on China?

Minister Jay Shankar criticized China for unilaterally trying to change the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and not adhering to border agreements with India, which has led to a tense situation between the two countries.

What did the external affairs minister emphasize regarding the responsibility of de-escalating border tensions?

The minister emphasized that the onus lies on China to de-escalate border tensions, as it is China that has been responsible for escalating them by amassing forces and building military infrastructure along the LAC.

What does the script suggest about China's approach to border agreements?

The script suggests that China has a track record of breaching trust and not following the understanding and agreements that have been signed with India, leading to a strained relationship.

How has China's behavior been described in relation to the border situation?

China's behavior has been described as aggressive and untrustworthy, with the country disregarding border pacts and increasing military presence along the border.

What was the context of the recent clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh?

The clash occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions due to China's actions along the LAC, including the building of military infrastructure and forces, which goes against previous agreements with India.

What is the significance of the external affairs minister's remarks in the context of India-China relations?

The minister's remarks highlight the current state of India-China relations, which are at a low ebb due to the border tensions, and underscore India's position that China needs to take the initiative to de-escalate the situation.

What is the view of the panel on China's intentions towards India?

The panel suggests that China's intentions towards India are not friendly, with China using various means to pressurize India, including strengthening ties with Pakistan and building infrastructure along the border.

How does the panel discuss India's response to China's actions along the border?

The panel discusses India's response as being prepared and proactive, with India building up its infrastructure, modernizing its military capabilities, and taking a firm stand against China's aggressive actions.

What does the script imply about the future of India-China relations?

The script implies that the future of India-China relations is uncertain and will be influenced by how China addresses the border tensions and whether it chooses to adhere to agreements and maintain peace along the LAC.

What are the broader implications of the border tensions for regional stability and security?

The border tensions have broader implications for regional stability and security, as they could escalate into larger conflicts and affect the balance of power in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

How does the script address the role of infrastructure development in the border tensions?

The script addresses the role of infrastructure development as a point of contention, with China objecting to India's development of infrastructure along the border and using it as a means to exert pressure.

Outlines

00:00

😠 India's External Affairs Minister Criticizes China's Border Actions

In an interview with Austria's ORF, India's External Affairs Minister Jay Shankar openly criticized China for unilaterally attempting to change the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He highlighted that China has not adhered to agreements with India on border issues, leading to a tense situation. The minister pointed out the discrepancy between the agreement not to amass forces in border areas and China's actual actions, including building up forces and military infrastructure along the border. This disregard for border pacts is what has strained the relationship between the two countries, especially following a recent clash in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh. The panel on the show 'Perspective' discusses the significance of the minister's remarks and the implications for India-China relations.

05:01

🏛️ China's Breach of Trust and India's Strategic Autonomy

The script discusses China's historical approach to border agreements with India, noting that despite numerous treaties and agreements since the 1950s, China has repeatedly breached trust. The panelists on 'Perspective' analyze China's aggressive policy, especially post-2005, and its impact on South Asia. They mention China's infrastructure development along the border and its objections to India's similar efforts, indicating a double standard. The discussion also touches on China's use of Pakistan to pressure India and the potential for regional tensions to escalate due to energy and resource competition in the Brahmaputra Basin.

10:01

🛤️ India's Infrastructure Development and Military Preparedness

This paragraph focuses on India's efforts to ramp up its border infrastructure and military capabilities. The discussion includes the construction of roads, bridges, and logistic supply systems, as well as the modernization of the Indian Air Force and Navy. The panelists emphasize the importance of being prepared to counter any Chinese aggression and the shift in India's strategic focus from the western to the northern border. They also mention the raising of India's Strike Corps as a deterrent to China and the country's readiness to defend itself against potential threats.

15:02

🌏 Geostrategic Interests and Regional Tensions

The script delves into China's deep geostrategic and geo-economic interests in South Asia, including its desire to control energy resources in the Brahmaputra Basin and its aggressive stance in the region. The panelists discuss China's expansionist policies and how they are perceived by South Asian countries, which are increasingly wary of China's influence. They also touch on the potential for regional tensions to escalate due to energy needs and the shifting balance of power in the area.

20:03

🕊️ The Need for Peace and Tranquility at the Border

The panelists on 'Perspective' stress the importance of peace and tranquility at the border for the normalization of India-China relations. They express skepticism about China's intentions, given its past actions and current policies. The discussion highlights the Indian government's firm stance that there cannot be normal relations with China as long as there is tension at the border. The panel also considers the impact of China's actions on its relations with South Asian countries and the broader implications for regional stability.

25:04

🌍 The Future of India-China Relations and Regional Dominance

In the final paragraph, the panelists reflect on the future of India-China relations, noting the current strain due to border tensions and China's expansionist ambitions. They discuss China's desire to dominate not just South Asia but the entire world, and its efforts to become a global power on par with the U.S. The conversation concludes with the recognition that while there is potential for economic cooperation between India and China, there are significant differences in their approaches to growth and development, and the need for India to remain vigilant against China's strategic encirclement.

Keywords

💡Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) refers to the de facto border between India and China, which is not formally demarcated. In the video's context, the LAC is central to the discussions as it is the site of ongoing disputes and military tensions between the two nations. The script mentions China's unilateral attempts to change the LAC, which has led to a tense situation.

💡Border Infrastructure

Border infrastructure encompasses the physical structures such as roads, bridges, and military installations built along national borders. The script discusses how China has been building up its military infrastructure along the border, disregarding previous pacts, which has contributed to the strained relationship with India.

💡De-escalation

De-escalation is the process of reducing tension or the intensity of a conflict. The video emphasizes the need for China to take the initiative in de-escalating the border tensions, as it is implied that they have been the primary party responsible for escalating the situation.

💡Strategic Autonomy

Strategic autonomy is the ability of a nation to make and implement decisions regarding its security and foreign policy independently. The script suggests that India is maintaining its strategic autonomy by not falling into what is perceived as China's trap, thus preserving its independence in foreign affairs.

💡Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in nearly 70 countries and international organizations. The script implies that China's aggressive foreign policy post-2005, including the BRI, has led to tensions with neighboring countries, including India.

💡Aggression

In the context of the video, aggression refers to the assertive or forceful actions taken by China along the border, which have resulted in clashes and heightened tensions. The term is used to describe China's approach to border disputes with India.

💡Trade Relations

Trade relations are the economic ties and interactions between two countries through the exchange of goods and services. The script mentions the significant trade volume between India and China, despite political tensions, highlighting the complexity of their bilateral relationship.

💡Quad

The Quad, formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic dialogue between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. The script suggests that the Quad is a response to China's ambitions to dominate the region and the world, aiming to uphold a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

💡Energy Security

Energy security is the uninterrupted availability of energy resources at an affordable price. The script discusses China's geostrategic and geo-economic interests in South Asia, particularly in relation to controlling energy resources in the Brahmaputra Basin, which is crucial for energy security.

💡Diplomatic Alliances

Diplomatic alliances refer to the formal agreements or friendly relations established between nations to pursue common interests or mutual benefits. The video mentions China's diplomatic alliances with countries like Pakistan, which are seen as part of its strategy to exert influence and pressure on India.

💡Hegemonic Power

A hegemonic power is a state that is able to exert its influence or control over other states, often in a way that may not be seen as equal or fair. The script suggests that China aspires to become a hegemonic power, not just in South Asia but globally, which is a source of concern for other nations in the region.

Highlights

External Affairs Minister Jay Shankar criticizes China for unilaterally trying to change the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China not observing agreements with India on border issues, leading to a tense situation between the two countries.

Agreements between India and China not to amass forces in border areas have been disregarded by China.

China's building up of forces and military infrastructure along the border disregards Border pacts, straining the relationship.

Major clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley, highlighting the ongoing tensions.

External Affairs Minister's message that China is responsible for escalating border tensions.

India's preparedness to maintain peace and tranquility on the border, contingent on China's actions.

Discussion on China's historical breaches of trust and aggressive foreign policy post-2005.

China's strategy to challenge the Western discourse in the Indo-Pacific region.

India's firm stand and strategic autonomy in the face of China's attempts to exert influence.

India's infrastructure development at the border in response to China's actions.

China's track record of breaching agreements and trust with India.

India's military and infrastructure preparedness to counterbalance China's actions.

The importance of building infrastructure to maintain peace and tranquility on the border.

China's geostrategic and geo-economic interests in South Asia and its aggressive approach.

India's modernization of its military forces and capabilities in response to China's actions.

Transcripts

thank you

[Music]

namaskar viewers hello and welcome to

Sunset TV I am tinaja you're watching

perspective when external affairs

minister Jay Shankar has once again

lombasted China for trying to

unilaterally change the line of actual

control in an interview with Austria's

National broadcaster ORF the minister

explained that China did not observe

agreements with India on Border issues

and that's why there is a tense

situation between the two neighbors he

elaborated that both sides had

agreements not to amass forces in the

Border areas but with Beijing building

up forces as well as military

infrastructure along the border China

has disregarded the Border pacts leading

to the current strained relationship now

coming just weeks after a major clash

between Indian and Chinese soldiers

along the Lac in tawang sector of

arunachal Pradesh what are the external

Affairs ministers blunt message signify

this and much more in perspective today

with an illustrious panel pleased to

welcome in the studio Professor Sanjay

bhardwaj he is from the Department of

South Asian studies

Professor bhardwaj thank you for your

time welcome to the program a major

general retired he's a defense expert

Major General sivaj thank you for your

time welcome to the program as well and

former Ambassador prabhude Ambassador

welcome to the program as well let me in

fact begin the program today with you

help us now viewers understand the

context the significance and most

importantly the timing of the external

Affairs Minister's remark lombastic

China

well the external affairs minister

was asked a question during an interview

and he was very forthright in his reply

uh we all know that the external affairs

minister does not put any punches he's

very straightforward he is to the point

and he very correctly pointed out that

the onus lies on China it is China which

is responsible for having escalated

border tensions and it is China which

has to take the initiative to

de-escalate on our part we will be well

prepared I think that was the message

which he sent across he pointed out that

it is the Chinese who were responsible

for the build up along the line of

factual control that they are the ones

who move their troops and that satellite

images were there to prove this so in

other words he was very very clear in

what he said that the Chinese have the

responsibility of now de-escalation

because it is they who have been

responsible for escalating the tension

Professor how do you decode the remark

by the external affairs minister

although it's a reiteration of India's

stand that the state of the Border will

determine the larger uh you know

framework of India China relations and

with the recent Clash that happened in

tawang the relations have of course

nosedive they are at the lowest ebb if

if we look at in that way

you know Ah that's true one thing is

that

the foreign minister he had been a

former ambassador to China and here also

is a practitioner now this is one thing

very clear that he has very good

understanding the Chinese mindset and

the Chinese policies that had been in

the past the Chinese you know from the

very beginning you can say from the

1950s itself they had been reaching the

different agreements and treaties that

had been done between India and China

particularly up if I'm I'm referring

about the Border understanding that has

come out in 1993 after Rajiv Gandhi's

visit to uh to to China Beijing in 1988

that had understanding has been

developed that we will engage ourselves

politically economically and we will

maintain status quo on border and in

there that understanding has been

developed in 1993 the particularly

institutionalized that we will maintain

peace and transportation on the border

and after that the following agreements

in 19 95 in 1996 you know the

comprehensive border understanding in

2003 and 2005 last that manman Singh has

visited uh had agreements with uh with

China but you know the Chinese they had

breached the trust time and again at the

way they are moving it is it is part of

Chinese a Chinese revisit revisiting

policy or you can say the Chinese

aggressiveness that they have come

developed in this foreign policy after

2005 or that has been executed you can

say from 2013 that they the way they are

going for belt and Road Institute now uh

the issue issue comes around that now

they are breaching because they want to

take India into different fault and not

on just India the other South Asian

countries into its fourth and that India

is having very independent very uh stand

and maintaining strategic autonomy

doesn't fall in the Chinese trap that

the Chinese are trying to challenge the

Western discourse in indo-pacific region

and that has resulted that number of

Transporters communities and and

aggressions particularly from doklam to

ah to the Galvan and all that things had

happened so the Chinese they have very

track records of reaching the trust and

not following the understanding that has

been developed and now we are moving

further to counter balance you know what

is happening the Chinese they are

developing infrastructures on their side

and whenever the India they are

developing infrastructures on its border

sites that under the Border area

development programs the Chinese they

have they they they they engaged in that

and had objections with with India the

foreign ministers categorically said

that you can see the satellite image

that the past track records and from

there you will see the evidences the

Chinese are breaching the trust and they

are reaching all the agreements that had

been signed between the two countries so

the point is simple that the Chinese is

had to accelerate themselves and they

have to maintain peace and Tranquility

what that has been concluded in 1993 and

that by the following agreements really

and confidential times maintaining peace

and Tranquility General Savage is

something that that from the Indian side

is supposed to be a prerequisite if you

want to normalize ties between India and

China that on numerous occasions has

been you know set forthright by the

external affairs minister India has made

it categorically clear but the fact that

we see no difference because of which uh

the incursion and The Clash happened at

the Wang recently but now with the new

Chinese foreign minister at the helm he

indicates that he wants to ease tensions

at the border can we trust China is the

question that of course would come to

mind Tina this is a million dollar

question asked Can We Trust China the

point is today that the China has a

border with 14 countries the land border

and it had resolved with 12 countries it

has already signed an agreement it is

India and Bhutan which they have not

signed so the region is very clear they

want to put India under pressure under

tension

this line of actual control is not

demarcated on ground there are three

sector Eastern sector Center sector and

Western sector Eastern sector is Central

sector is Himachal Pradesh and

uttarakhand and Western sector is

Eastern ladakh now the maps have not

been exchanged between India and China

of Eastern and the Western sector it is

only of the central sector so the point

today is that Q why China do what they

do you have to understand there is a

reason for it no they came in 2000 in

April May brought three division

violated protocol and an agreement of

1993 which says that you cannot

unilaterally change the status quo by

bringing so much force very close to the

line of actual control but why did they

do it they did it because they thought

that we are making a road the book show

dholatberg old and from there the

letters were going toward excitement so

they were worried that possibly India is

trying to do something

comes as when China was building up

their own infrastructure the India did

not object it

in last 50 years they have built up

roads they have made a Western Highway

they have made Bridges they have made

tunnel they have made the logistic

Supply when India started doing it that

is the time when they are now

questioning us now this is the biggest

problem which has come now anywhere and

everywhere wherever they have done

whether it is doklam of 2017 where or

galwan of 22

2020 and young say of 22-22 there is a

reason behind it now if you see why they

came to yangte and now there is a reason

for it just since I have commanded a

battalion there I've stayed in this post

I can only tell you the reason is simple

as that they know it this is an uh

height or a post which is about 17 000

feet which dominate almost 10 to 12

kilometer area towards Chinese and

Indian side it dominate the knock the

ball which is north of boomla and if

they can get a hold of this they can

peep inside up till cell and therefore

they have tried not once they have tried

last year also they have tried o5 time

before that all but that's a different

thing the Indian tropes are well

prepared and we sort of push them back

now the question is

why they did now

when you know they are already in their

situation not up to the mark the reason

is that they were having this covered

zero policy which was bouncing back

there is education of the people G20

presidency has come to India they don't

want the India to be looked as if it is

a coming a superpower then the sort of

relation which is improving between

India and U.S not to their liking so

they did what they did so the point is

that whatever agreement which they have

signed with us 93 96 2005 2013 they do

not follow it it is unilitely they shall

try to change the status quo and enough

is enough because till doklam we always

thought that Indian you know markets are

so huge that there is a trade between

India and China more than 100 billion

dollar and we are giving a huge Market

to Chinese good so they never will

attack us but 2017 when they came to

doklam that that myth was busted and

when they came to 2020 it was proved

Beyond doubt you cannot trust Chinese

now the question comes as for a China is

concerned are

present government is very clear there

cannot be a witness as usual till the

peace and Tranquility prevails on the

border now the relationship has been

linked with the border and that's why Dr

s j Shankar our minister of external

Affairs as well as our Prime Minister

Modi is very clear and I suppose that

pressure is working on the Chinese are

not feeling the heat of it you know

there are people say that having said so

how the trade is still increasing it has

increased almost about 10 to 15 percent

but possibly this is because we both are

member of the World Trade Organization

all of sudden whatever you know packed

with your sign five ten years back

cannot be diluted soon okay Ambassador

so my present is that things will happen

but we are very clear on this thing we

will not trust China will do what we are

doing we will keep on building

infrastructure and we will not set idle

till we build up infrastructure at par

with Chinese absolutely so I'll come

back to you and understand how you know

we are preparing ourselves trending our

capabilities as well but in the

meanwhile uh Ambassador coming back to

you and taking on from what general

sivat said that China is feeling the

heat the fact that India has

consistently maintained a firm stand do

you agree is that happening is that

somehow changing Chinese policy also or

can we expect in the New Year China to

actually adopt to a less aggressive and

less belligerent approach no China will

not adopt unless belligerent approach

you referred a little while back to the

statement by the new Chinese foreign

minister that he wants to have good

relations with India but you know

there's a huge difference between what

the Chinese say and what they actually

do on the ground

everything that they do on the ground

escalates tension and as general Savage

said they have been building their

infrastructure along the border

and now that we have tried to do a

little bit of infrastructure development

on our side of the Border they are

making a human cry they want to play the

relationship on their terms and I don't

think that they mean well towards India

at all the Chinese policy towards India

I'm afraid will continue to be extremely

mattified and they will use whatever

instrument they can to pressurize India

now for instance they use Pakistan in

this connection there is no doubt that

Pakistan is being strengthened by China

because this strengthening Works to

their advantage Pakistan uses whatever

little military muscle it can get

against India and the Chinese know that

again the Chinese prevent the

blacklisting of Pakistani terrorists by

the United Nations because again

Pakistan need to reserve the Chinese

interest indirectly so I'm afraid

Chinese intentions towards India will be

modified as indeed they are at the

moment and I don't think that we will

succumb to any kind of pressure from

China of course as you said there has

been some increase in trade but we

perhaps need these items and as general

sawat said it's not possible to break

trade relations because of multilateral

commitments but nonetheless we are doing

everything possible to take care of our

security interests and security

interests are definitely uppermost in

the relationship with China you're right

and because the fact that if Chinese are

unwilling to resolve the Border standoff

if it continues to persist as it has I

mean since 2020 when The galvar Clash

happened to 2022 December when another

Clash happened at tawang the fact that

it's a clear reflection that Chinese are

uncompromising in their approach and

therefore we need to strengthen our

capability so if we talk about taking

care of our security interests to ensure

that no such incidents happen in future

help us in our viewers you know

understand how well prepared are we what

is our approach in terms of ramping up

our border infrastructure and the

military capabilities also we must

understand one thing very clearly that

for first about 50 years our stand was

very different and especially in arnacha

Pradesh we always thought that if we

build up the infrastructure in

especially in our nacha Pradesh it will

help for the Chinese to come inside

India and that was our mindset imagine

and now the things have changed in last

10 to 15 years we are building roads we

are building bridges we are building

internal we are building logistic Supply

system we are building helipad and the

development taking place is huge now

starting from ladakh or naturopathic

there is about 30 000 kilometer of road

which has been built up seller internal

is coming Georgia tunnel is on the way

the question come is that we are fast

catching them of course it will take

another 10 years to go where the Chinese

are but remember the Chinese are also

not sitting idle having developed their

infrastructure earlier they are still

working very hard remember in Penang so

they have built two Bridges they can now

move their tanks also from northern side

of the Penang so to the southern side to

improve their reaction capability

because they learned a lot and we when

we occupied class rain at the same time

they have built up 3000 Villages very

close to line of actual control these

are not related but these are the

defended localities they have built up

the uh you can say larger Supply Depot

in Tibet autonomous region so Chinese

are also preparing but we have learned

our lesson we are preparing at a very

fast way my point is our approach is

three prong one is that we have to build

up our infrastructure which is state of

art which will help our troops to reach

to the location where they are required

at the earliest the second point which

is important is that we should able to

build up in a manner that our troops can

stay in these Heights third thing is we

have to motorize our Defense Forces and

and get the best of the weapon and

equipment I suppose we are going in the

correct direction as far as this is

concerned and what we have done is that

over a period of time we always thought

our enemy number one is Pakistan but

economically we have developed so much

now militarily we have become so much

developed that we know if that the

Pakistani is only irritant the biggest

threat which we can get is from the

northern border and hence our focus and

safety from western border to the

northern border what more important

thing which we have done is that we

raise our strike core Code 17 core and

which has been completely raised now

against Chinese and then we are are

shifted one strike code from the Western

sector to the northern sector so giving

a clear indication to China that don't

think you can only come in India we have

a capability and capacity to be counter

offensive we can come into China I think

that has made a matter difference the

psych has got changed now you know we'll

pay you even case if you try something

you know it is not 1962 it is 2023 now

so that what also has been said my

another issue which we should talk is

that it is not only the infrastructure

we are developing the way we have also

modernized our air force with two Rafael

cotton coming and one Rafael scored in

hachimara looking after the Chinese

border only and see the Navy what we

have done is we have already built up a

second aircraft carrier vikramath which

is indigenously prepared we will build

up thought what we have a capability

choking at the Malacca State should the

War take place we have capability of

choking and Chinese do not have oil more

than 40 50 days so over all Indian army

Indian Air Force Indian Navy is capable

of replying back to Chinese in the

language where they understand and one

thing is very important about Chinese

concern they have not fought war after

in 1979 they fought with Vetra and they

got a bloody nose there where an Indian

army is a battle-hearted they have been

staying in Sachin creation Western

so we are capable of Defending I suppose

Chinese have also understood but the key

to everything Tina is develop your

infrastructure be as capable as the

Chinese is and beat them in their game

absolutely so you write the approach on

that front is clear but the challenge

Professor bhardwaj lies not just at the

border but also in the other areas

wherein China could pose a Potential

Threat in fact I was going through a

recent study by European foundation for

South Asian studies and which says that

China is actually making a strategy to

not dominate The brahmaputra Basin so in

the times to come Regional tensions

within South Asia could also escalate

because of the energy shift that is

going to take place rapidly both in

China and India and with India now also

by late this year becoming the most

populated country in the world to fend

for the energy needs of you know uh such

a huge population perhaps these tensions

could could escalate how much depth how

much uh you know truth could you do you

see in these reports in these studies

that are being done by other think tanks

based in other parts of the world that's

that's you know it's a big issue about

the energy you know the Chinese how they

are basically uh developing their in

fresh success to ensure two things the

supply of the goods that what they are

producing Manufacturing in China in

different parts and how they can ensure

energy supply to the Chinese and for

that they have come out of different

infrastructure projects that is linked

with South Asian countries of course one

they are claiming that China Pakistan

economic Corridor through guadar Port

that they will link it to the Chinese

and another they are coming see Mac that

is China Myanmar economic corridors that

they wanted to avoid the chalk points

what they are talking they wanted to

avoid the Malacca dilemma what the

Chinese premium Premier has talked that

we have to avoid these choke points and

Malacca Dilemma to develop the

infrastructures the thing is that why

the Chinese are violating the Border

agreements and Status Quo On the Border

there are two things you they have very

deep geostrategic and geo-economic

interest in South Asia one is of course

they want to eat the 1.6 billion

people's the market the emerging markets

that all the South Asian economies are

amazing they are like India seven around

seven and Bangladesh and all these

countries so they want to come they are

already there they have through their

engagements and that's why they maintain

the status quo but now they are the the

the what they designed it is not going

as per their wishes and that is that's

why they have developed their expense

approach they have developed their

aggressiveness the second very important

point is that the Geo strategic unit two

vulnerable territory of China is

bordering South Asia that is one Tibet

and another sinkhyang and that is that

is the things and both are volatile

problematic for the Chinese and for that

they are they are making their presence

to in the bordering states of course

Nepal they are coming with different

projects giving those are not viable

projects but they are coming they have

they are taking interest in Afghanistan

in Pakistan and you know in in of course

you have categorically mentioned about

the ah the brahmaputra and macro ganga

Basin and that is you know I have

written a book on that the Chinese had

on India's history you know in that the

Chinese they want to control the energy

resources based in brahmaputra Basin and

that you know particularly in Myanmar

they have used ah Hydro carbon resources

in Myanmar in Indonesia Malaysia all

these and they don't want any any kind

of competitions that India trying to

develop through its activist policy and

now they have become very aggressive you

know that the way they are supporting

the military junita in Myanmar so that

the India because India promotes

Democratic ethos values in these

countries and because of that we could

not bring energy to to South Asia and

India so they are trying to come and

develop developed in developing interest

in energy sectors hydroelectricity in

Nepal they are they want to invest in in

Bangladesh they want to invest in their

uh their gas fields and of course in all

the Southeast Asian countries the what

is happening the policy that the two

countries India and China has developed

let's engage economically let's maintain

status quo has converted now into the

balance of power and containment policy

what general shivas is talking that

containment policy we have capacity we

have developed world-class Naval Force

to counter the Chinese you got the 85

percent of Chinese energy trade takes

place through South China Sea to Malacca

and then and the Indian Ocean region so

we have developed and we can challenge

the the Chinese threats what they are

posing on the Himalayan regions and you

know that would not go in the good taste

what the because both the both the

countries the economies are emerging

economy the Chinese they they are

claiming to become the superpower they

cannot become like developing these

Middle Kingdom theories and you know

when you say emergency emerging Powers

the fact that Ambassador I'm reminded of

what the Prime Minister said at the

Shangri-La dialogue that this is the

Asian Century where in both China and

India have to work together because this

Century belongs to us clearly if the

continuation of the impulse say you know

the current Empire say is not beneficial

for either of the countries we are both

you know important players in South Asia

and for China to understand that their

actions and words have to converge with

each other when you talk about relations

with India so in that aspect is there

anything that that can be expected from

China because clearly India wants better

relations it's just that we want peace

and Tranquility at the border that is

something that China is not able to

assure

China is not able to assure because it

doesn't fit in with China's policy China

wants to dominate the region China is

expansionist

and while we talk of the 21st century as

being Asia Century China speaks of it as

being China's Century China wants to be

the predominant Global power and because

India is growing steadily in economic

might and in other ways China wants to

put us down China wants to make us feel

uneasy and for this whether it is

forging diplomatic alliances with

countries like Pakistan and being all

whether friends with them or whether it

is troubling us at our borders and

increasing hostility and tension there

China will restore to all such means and

methods so we will be on guard as the

government has made it clear and they

cannot be normal relations with China as

long as there is tension at the border

because of Chinese build-ups and Chinese

activities I'll take one last comment

from you the future of India China

relations of course we know it's it's a

in a very strained phase at the moment

especially post Galvan and now with the

current Clash at tawang but the fact

that it is in the interest of both

countries and as a mature neighbor it's

important for China to understand that

it cannot grow in the region without

India so of course they it wants to

become the hegemonic power in the region

but for its country for the larger good

of the country in the times to come it's

important for it to acknowledge India's

presence absolutely Tina the China aim

is very different they want to dominate

to not only South Asia the whole world

they want to become a Power which is at

par with U.S and beat them sometime and

that is why the quad has come you know

quad is basically to a free open and

inclusive window Pacific it is not only

in South basically in South Asia also in

indo-pacific now as far as India is

concerned remember that the China field

we are competitor and they don't like a

competitor and that's why they are

surrounding us you imagine how they have

make adjusting in Myanmar

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they are trying to surround it so never

underestimate China that we can stay

together and why can't economically both

of us can cooperate so that it is a 21st

century where a century of Asia I don't

think so that is what is understood by

China China aim is different China is

trying to surround India and therefore

if we have to fight a war especially in

from in ladakh to arunachal Pradesh it

is India which has to fight no one is

going to support you it is only maybe

that equipment or weapon may be given by

U.S you have to fight but when it comes

when it's about growth and development

we are completely on two opposite phases

very very quickly 30 seconds Professor

yes see the Chinese rise is not peaceful

and the South Asian countries they have

understood you know the way the Sri

Lanka the the development took place in

Nepal about bakra support the people are

very concerned in Bangladesh they are

very conscious about that what the

Maldives they are doing so you know the

people now not believing testing Chinese

easily and that would make more

difficult for China clearly and that

development model uh that differs

between India and China is something

that is now exposed people know what the

Chinese design is but the time runs out

I'll have to wind up at that thank you

once again gentlemen for joining me on

the program sharing your thoughts your

views with us and our viewers and thank

you very much viewers to you as well for

your time I'll see you same time

tomorrow take good care of yourselves

keep watching sensitive

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