A Questionnaire was submitted by a journalist researcher to seek views on issues related to Indo-China relations.
The views expressed in the replies to the questions are own perceptions and have nothing to do with the Government of India or the Indian Air Force.
1) How do you view the current situation between India and China, both militarily and diplomatically, especially after the recent stand-off on the border?
- The situation can be summed up in one word “DISTRUST”.
2) What do you think China is trying to achieve with these hand-to-hand combats with Indian troops, such as the one in Galwan and more recently in Tawang? What purpose do these gun-less fights achieve?
- To keep the pot boiling.
- Use the incidents to her own (China’s) advantage.
- Use these incidents to: –
- Divert international attention (e.g. during the Pandemic time).
- Generate domestic nationalistic feelings (timed at important domestic events).
- Try and gain territory and tactical advantage by way of Salami Slicing, keeping the situation under a certain threshold.
3) A meeting between Indian officials and NATO is due to be held sometime next month, and it is being said that China’s growing aggression will be the focus of this meet. What is the significance of this? What can India and NATO achieve with such a meeting?
- Meeting NATO?
- India has never joined any Military alliance ever (not even during the 1971 war with Pakistan)
- Now also all the bilateral/multilateral engagements are not part of any military alliance.
- However, engaging like-minded and friendly countries is for mutual benefit.
4) Do you think most of the world is slowly trying to diplomatically isolate China due to its aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific or the South China Sea?
- “Diplomatically isolate” would be too strong a word.
- China is a growing power (economically and militarily) and cannot be wished away but has to be dealt with appropriately.
- It has been too aggressive in recent times, presenting a trailer to its likely behaviour on reaching superpower status.
- In addition, all of China’s engagements with other countries have been for personal gain.
- The world has seen through China’s scheme of things has started the process of DECOUPLING.
5) In your opinion, what is the best way to resolve the India-China conflict?
- The first step would be for China to create an atmosphere of trust.
- China needs to do and mean what it says and not say something and do something else on the ground.
- Then resolve the border issue with the spirit of mutual agreement and with sincerity.
- Work together rather than work against. (Cooperation rather than competition).
6) A recent govt dossier claims that more skirmishes are likely between troops on the India-China border. Your take on this?
- I am not privy to or aware of any dossier.
- The question should be directed toward China.
- All the incidents have been initiated and triggered by China.
- Having burnt our fingers a few times, it is advisable to be ready for any such incidents in future.
- Such incidents are not good for peace, tranquillity, and growth (for both countries).
7) How would you compare the Air Forces of India and China?
- Please refer to Global Air Powers Ranking (2023) by WDMMA (it provides the current ranking of the various air forces of the world).
8) In the current scheme of things, do you think a full-blown war is a possibility between India and China?
- Full-blown war is not good for both countries.
- In my opinion, both countries do not want a war.
- However, regular border incidents have chances of going out of control due to miscalculations.
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