China Changes Tack, Plays Hardball On Gogra-Hot Springs Deescalation

Apr 12, 2021

NEW DELHI: The recent round of military talks between India and China saw the Chinese side switching track, taking a rigid position on de-escalation in the Gogra-Hot Springs area, in contrast to its earlier posture when it was more fixated on the Finger area near Pangong lake.

The change from the more “flexible” discussions that preceded the 11th round held on April 9 indicates that the standoff in the remaining areas can stretch on, as the Indian side is also well dug in and the government is insisting that only restoration of previous ground positions will lead to any normalcy in bilateral ties.

In earlier negotiations, the Chinese were more insistent on staying on in the Finger 4-8 area, seen as the most serious transgression as far as India was concerned. The Indian success in gaining the south bank heights effectively undid the PLA advantage and eventually led to a withdrawal and creation of a no-go zone for both sides. As far as Indian thinking goes, getting PLA off the ridges is an important success.

The reasons for the Chinese posture are not immediately clear but could have to do with India deepening its Quad engagement despite Beijing’s admonitions and a refusal to consider any rollback of several decisions like bans on Chinese apps until status quo returns to LAC. Though never quite so spelt out, China’s repeated remarks that the Sources said larger bilateral issues and any likely linkages or quid pro quo expectations in the context of disengagement and de-escalation do not figure in talks between military commanders.

Indian position has remained that normalcy in ties can’t precede Chinese troops vacating the standoff points and a larger de-escalation. The challenge, sources said, is not insignificant for the PLA either as Indian troops are and will remain closely deployed.

Courtesy: TNN