From Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies’ website:
China and India have often been credited with maintaining peace along their mutual border, despite sharp differences over it, and a history of war. The credit for this, at least on the Indian side, has gone to the political and diplomatic establishment. But, the crucial role of the military is often neglected. Beginning with the decision to maintain ‘peace and tranquility’ along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the limited addition of military diplomacy over the last one and a half decades has transformed military ties between the two countries. The recent visit by the Indian Army Chief, General J. J. Singh, to China was aimed at consolidating these mutual gains, apart from exploring the new landscape for further military cooperation between the two countries.
Gen. Singh’s visit took place when the bilateral relations have become muddled over China’s refusal to grant visas to Indian officers hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, and its renewing claims to the state through all possible channels. This apart, the modernization plans of the Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) has caused new concerns across the world, including India. The PLA plays a vital role in Chinese foreign policy decision-making, and has traditionally adopted an aggressive stance towards India. Against this background, Gen. SIngh had a real challenge on his hands, in engaging the Chinese military leadership. [Full Text]
