By Dr. Mark Kass, Ph.D – Contributor
The ongoing boundary dispute between China and India is back in the news again exhibiting “controlled” displays of aggression by both sides without resorting to full-scale combat operations by either side. It is a classic “border skirmish” with limited utilization of martial resources. The issues this briefing will explore centers on the historical reasons for tensions between India and China, potential economic issues relating to both of these large economies, and what specific set of circumstances led to the “active” combat between these parties both in 1962 and 2020
Overview of the India-China Dispute
The India-China dispute results from a series of clashes regarding border territorial claims between both countries. The border dispute is centered on the areas of Aksai Chin, and Arunachal Pradesh. Both countries claim these regions.
The Indians claim these regions under the entity referred to as Ladakh, while the Chinese consider the disputed region to comprise part of Xinjiang and claim sovereignty as part of the region’s access to Tibet. The Eastern access to the disputed territory is part of the McMahon Line, which was adjudicated in 1914 and is the demarcation line between Northeast India and Tibet. It is important to note that the demarcation line is complicated by the fact that it was originally a British demarcation of the territory when they were a colonial power over India. This was a strategic aspect of the British Empire, which also used the Sykes-Picot agreement in 1916 to maintain effective access to India via the Suez Canal and the Persian Gulf.
Impact of Historical Circumstances: Ancient and Modern
India and China have been rivals at least since the time of Buddha, approximately 550 BCE. Buddhism originated in India and spread to China via the Ashoka Monks and had its greatest influence in Xian, in which it was clearly represented by the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, and other religious structures. The Han Emperor Migdi, 57-76 AD, was the first Chinese Emperor to “envision” and engage with the impact of Buddhism in China.
The Last Flare Up in 1962 and Why It Was Important
The 1962 Border War (the Sino-Indian War) was a series of skirmishes that resulted in regard to disputed territory on both sides close to Tibet. The Chinese had just gone through the 1959 uprising in Tibet; and the Indians had fortified positions along the McMahon Line to further their claims in Northwest India.
The situation was further exacerbated when the Indians gave asylum to the Dalai Lama who fled from Tibet and from the Chinese at that time. India viewed Tibet as a bulwark against China in the Himalayas, but the interference in China’s “internal affairs” caused a harsh reprisal by Mao Zedong.
Combat then occurred when the Chinese military moved forward and engaged with the Indian forces inside Indian territory. Negotiations ensued between the two nations but were not immediately successful. The situation eventually calmed down as a result of the Sino-Soviet dispute, where the Soviets initially backed the Indian claims.
Intervening Period Since 1962
Since 1962, the Indians and Chinese had a relatively peaceful interaction based upon economic rivalries of the two greatest economic powers in Asia and the South Asian region. Ancient cultural ties have also been “renewed” in the Himalayan region of Nathu La regarding religious pilgrimages on both sides. Chinese Buddhists have now been given permission to visit Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, and Indian Hindus now have access to Hindu Temples in Tibet.
Economic Rivalries in South Asia
Both India and China are major trade rivals in South Asia and Asia proper. The new Chinese Silk Road initiative is also raising concerns in India and elsewhere regarding the potential closing of markets for India’s goods and services. The Indians have been less than supportive of the Chinese Regional Economic Partnership; however, the current bilateral trade in 2017 stands at $89.6 Billion.
Cause of the Latest Flare up in 2020
Tensions again flared up in the border region between India and China with both sides claiming that the other crossed the border in the other’s respective zones. Fortunately, up to this point, casualties were minimized, however, both sides have attempted to forge, and complete negotiations where troops will be re-deployed to existing posts slightly away from the contested regions.
Results of the Latest Flare Up
At this point, the Indians remained concerned regarding China’s support of India’s rival Pakistan. Both sides continue to meddle in the affairs of each other. This situation is the result of the more aggressive foreign policies of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the Chinese Prime Minister Xi Jinping. Neither of these individuals are particularly subtle with regard to achieving their objectives; and perhaps continuing low-level conflict both militarily and economically are signs of the road ahead in the new future.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Both China and India are ancient cultures steeped in cultural precedent. They are also adept at forging alliances and creating strategies that are both confrontational when it is needed, as well as being subtle as the situation arises. This will be an ongoing process of engagement for at least the next 30 years and beyond.
Source: Caspian Report YouTube Channel
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Dr. Mark Kass is currently Managing Director for Ph. Diversified Services, Inc., a global political risk and consulting firm. In addition, to his duties with this organization, Dr. Kass is active in the academic world teaching International Relations and other subject matter for several universities; teaching students at the Doctoral level to the Undergraduate level throughout the world. Dr. Kass is also an active blogger.
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