Enhancing confidence between India and China (English version) Rakshak news 22 Aug 18
The Chinese defence minister, Wei Fenghe, is visiting India along with a delegation comprising of 25 members including a host of generals this week. This is his third visit abroad since assuming his appointment, the first two being to Russia and Belarus. His arrival follows the visit by Lt General Liu Xiaowu, the deputy commander of the western theatre command last month. The Indian army’s eastern army commander has returned after a delegation visit to China.
The visit is important as India and China seek to enhance confidence building measures post the Doklam standoff. There have been increased interactions from both sides, including the summit between PM Modi and Xi Jinping in Wuhan. It was after this summit that the speech given by the PM in the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore assumes significance.
Modi was expected to openly criticize Chinese expansions in the South China Sea and raise his support for the Quad, but unexpectedly he raised neither issue. He stated, ‘I firmly believe that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together in trust and confidence’. This was an indicator that both nations are now moving forward to improving relations, rather than being confrontational.
Indian actions in Doklam forced China to construct shelters and house its troops in Doklam, an action they had never expected. It changed Chinese perceptions of the Indian army and its resolve. It showed the neighbourhood and ASEAN nations, that India would defend its allies. Standoffs have occurred in a few locations post this incident, however each has been resolved peacefully.
The Indian navy in recent times has enhanced its footprints in the Indian Ocean and is increasing its presence amongst ASEAN nations by conducting naval exercises with nations of East Asia. On the other hand, Chinese navy presence, including that of submarines is also increasing in India’s backyard. Chinese bases in India’s vicinity are also on the rise, thus opening doors for a possible clash.
This visit is another step in enhancing higher level interactions between the two nations thus building trust between the two countries. There are some major issues which need to be discussed and implemented for ensuring peace and understanding.
The first issue is the installation of hot lines between the two countries. Both nations have cleared the need for establishing hot lines, however its end points are yet to be finalized. China seeks a hot line between its Western Theatre Command, responsible for the Indian border and the Indian DGMO, as India has three different army commands facing China in different sectors.
India on the other hand is of the view that with the establishment of theatre commands, decision making on the Chinese side has shifted to the Central Military Commission (CMC), hence the hotline should be between equivalents, implying the DGMO (or his equivalent) in the CMC. Simultaneously, India should not be averse to a second hotline between the Chinese Western Theatre Command and the Indian army’s Eastern Command.
The second major issue which needs to be resolved is establishing of rules to avoid a naval clash in the future. The two navies, operating in the zones of dominance and interest of each other have a high possibility of encountering one another in an adverse situation. Mechanisms need to be set in place to ensure that a naval clash does not occur.
Indo-Pak relations is also likely to be discussed. China has openly supported Pak in all its endeavours and has ensured that Pak is always a counter balance to India. With a change of guard in Islamabad, the Chinese defence minister would be carrying a message for India that the new government should be engaged to reduce tensions in the subcontinent. This would enhance the security of CPEC, which transits through disputed territory.
The visit, if successful, would reduce Indo-China border tensions and bring about better understanding in an area which has been strewn with conflict. However, with diverse views on both sides, an easy solution may not be forthcoming.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army