It is aiming to change facts on the ground, incrementally alter the balance of power, and assert its dominance
Editorial Staff
As the LAC heats up, reading China’s playbook
The stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh continues with both sides reinforcing their respective positions.
While tensions may be reduced through continuing dialogue in mechanisms put in place over the past several years. The key issue is whether Chinese troops agree to vacate the area they have occupied by violating the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
China would be content if, after altering the facts on the ground, the stand-off is defused, say by a limited disengagement of a few metres between the troops, leaving most of the encroached territory in Chinese hands.
China may agree to vacate the occupied area but expect concessions in return. These could include a halt to border infrastructure development on the Indian side of LAC, even the dismantling of built up structures.
In the Doklam stand-off in 2017, the forces of the two sides disengaged. China halted additional road-building activity but continues to consolidate its position in the …
