Chinese aggression crossing boundaries

China lies in wait for making its move on the Indian border by violating international law and neighborly norms. The last such attempt was on December 8 at the Tawang Yangtse border in Arunachal Pradesh. The Defence Minister stated in both the Houses of Parliament that the Chinese Army had withdrawn after the Indian army 'bravely prevented' By countering it. There is no reason to be complacent that the threat is over. Last week's attempt is a continuation of China's aggressive moves in the region for several years. Of course, it is no coincidence that China came knocking right after India and the United States conducted a military exercise in the name of 'military exercise'.

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In June 2020, when the world forgot all other problems and was trying to find an antidote to the covid pandemic, it was the Chinese army who unleashed a rampage in the Galwan Valley of eastern Ladakh. Twenty Indian soldiers lost their lives in that unprovoked assault. Military-level talks between the two countries were held several times to achieve the status quo and peace on the border. But China has been determined to overturn all of that with provocations. The Chinese army built roads and bridges in more than one village in Arunachal Pradesh, which is an integral part of India. Even in these conditions, it is doubtful whether the Indian government has been prepared to properly address the Chinese threat. One has to suspect that the Prime Minister, who talks eloquently about national security and teaching enemies a lesson in election campaign meetings, is not sufficiently worried about China's incursions.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping bid bye to each other after having dinner together and a photo session at the G20 summit that concluded last month in Bali. New developments make it clear that during that meeting PM Modi did not dare to tell China not to repeat border atrocities. The government was under the misconception that banning Chinese apps used on mobile phones, including Tik Tok, can overcome the serious security problem posed by China. Nor is the Prime Minister ready to speak to the nation about this despite the violence that has resulted in injuries to soldiers along the Line of Actual Control. The government is not willing either to take the people's representatives into confidence and discuss the issue in parliament. Instead, they are interested in settling political scores by making accusations against the opposition party.

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The government cannot wait any longer to say a firm 'don't' diplomatically and politically in strong language. China, Pakistan, or any other nations should not have the impression that India, which is chairing the G20, is a weak country that can be invaded by anyone. And war is not a necessity for making a statement of warning. It takes only half the sincerity that is shown to encroach upon its own people and make laws against them seeing them as enemies. India must salute the brave soldiers who stood with equanimity and dignity to protect the country's borders even when the government was neglecting its duty. Their dedication, local knowledge, and strategies have helped this resistance. Repeated incursions on the border also remind us that national security cannot be left in the hands of a contract-based army like Agnipath.

Also read: The situation is 'stable' on India border: China after clash