The on-going stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam Plateau region of Bhutan could very well signal the shape of things to come in the complex Sino-Indian equation. The relations between the two Asian behemoths, China and India, has become frosty of late. With Beijing increasingly keen on asserting its military heft in Asia and India, refusing to “play ball,” such incidents may become increasingly commonplace going forward.
The key question here are: How will India and China deal with the crisis? Who will blink first? And finally, what will be the role of Bhutan given its special relationship with New Delhi?
Impact
Chinese President Xi Jinping has often talked about the so-called “Chinese Dream” for the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” In keeping with this “Chinese Dream,” Beijing has undertaken major projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). At the same time, this newfound energy, nay assertiveness, has seen China involved in spats with countries like Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and India.
The ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at the Doklam plateau in Bhutan, which is close to the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China, needs to be seen in this light, and the whole episode highlights the current downward spiral of Sino-Indian ties. The trouble started when the Chinese side undertook road construction activities in the Doklam plateau in Bhutan (which is claimed by China). India objected by way of troop movements, responding to a request from Bhutan, which is practically dependent on India for its defense.
While it needs to be pointed out that this is not the first time that Indian and Chinese forces have been locked in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation along the border, what makes the situation different this time, is that it involves a third player in Bhutan.
Why has Beijing decided to up the ante this time around? There are a few plausible explanations.
One is that Beijing has been miffed with India’s non-participation in President Xi Jinping’s signature event, the Belt and Road Forum earlier in May this year. While the BRI (the Belt and Road Initiative) will still go ahead with or without India’s involvement, New Delhi buying in would have been a big diplomatic victory for China.
