NEW DELHI: The decision to ban Chinese-sourced apps, including TikTok and WeChat, just prior to the third round of talks between Indian and Chinese military commanders, saw the information and work of the ministry of technology overnight to gather the extensive paperwork required for the unprecedented measures.
As the window blinds were pulled Ravi shankar Prasad’s office to ensure that the frenzy of activity was not noticed, senior officials worked on a specific report from the prime minister. Narendra modi: The ban must be announced before the talks begin. The head of the ministry, along with law enforcement officials, completed the paperwork just in time.
Conventional wisdom might have advocated a more cautious approach before delicate military talks at a time when Chinese forces enjoyed an advantage along the Royal Line of Control; It was not until late August that a surprise move by India upset the balance. But the prime minister was clear that China received an unequivocal message after the savage standoff in Galwan.
The disconnection announced in Pangong Tso, which has proceeded smoothly so far, was the most difficult aspect of the de-escalation discussed at the military and diplomatic level in recent months. The Chinese occupied the ridges amid reports of the construction of a helipad. The whole approach of the government taken to counter China in the political, economic and diplomatic spheres was, the sources said, a completely new experience for the Chinese.
Repeated signals that India would not back down, even at the risk of a confrontation with an economically and militarily stronger opponent, effectively stalled the situation. The frenzied Chinese reaction to the Indian action in taking the heights in southern Pangong was one indication. Midnight statements and conflict warnings indicated that their plans had gone very wrong.
The deal thereafter, after some unsuccessful Chinese offers to meddle, to halt all probing moves was something of a breakthrough. Stabilized the LACQUER in an uneasy truce that, however, was maintained despite the proximity of the troops.
The developments hold a bigger lesson, as China’s leaders have had to accept that the plan to permanently reorder LAC to their advantage was not going to happen. The occupation of the Finger 4-8 area was a key part of the scheme. For now, India will also be out of the area, but so will the PLA.
The Gogra-Hot Springs, Patrol Point 17 and Depsang test is yet to come and will require more determination and patience. But the outcome of the confrontation was watched closely not only in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific but also within China.
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