The recent situation on LAC and overall developments in Indo China relations have made the possibility for India to rethink its stand on the one-China policy. Let us understand in brief what the “One China policy” is. And let us see how its the high time for India to rethink its stand on the policy.
What is One China Policy:-
The origin of the policy lies back in 1949 after the end of the Chinese civil war. The victorious communists under the leadership of Mao began ruling mainland China, named it the People’s Republic of China – PRC. The defeated Kuomintang i.e. the nationalists, retreated and formed the government in an island that is Taiwan. They called it a Republic of China – ROC. Both countries doesn’t recognize each other. PRC and ROC, both have made the claims that there exists only one China and that is them. Both of them also cleared that if any country that keeps any diplomatic relations with the one, cannot recognize and keep official relations with the other.
India On One China Policy :
India is one of the first countries along with Pakistan and the then Burma (now Myanmar) that has unconditionally recognized PRC and officially considered Taiwan as the part of the People’s Republic China. This stand of India is followed by “The Panchsheel Agreement”, the Chinese occupation of Tibet, and of course again, India’s unconditional recognition to Tibet as China’s territory.
Also Read, Global Times- A Global Threat?
Need for India to Rethink :
While India supporting China’s territorial claims and respecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty, China doesn’t seem to do the same with India. China has a clear stand against India on the J&K issue.
Even yesterday, Chinese FM spokesperson Zhau Lijian, underlined China’s stand on Arunachal Pradesh that it doesn’t recognize Arunachal as part of India & continued referring it as “South Tibet Region”. This once again shows that China doesn’t respect India’s Sovereignty and Integrity. This brings in the necessity for India to rethink its unconditional and undoubtedly support to One China Policy.
Specifically, after Galwan incident, India has been more active on various fronts against China.
Economically India banned hundreds of Chinese apps, cancellation of various contracts, and tenders with Chinese by the Indian govt. And other Indian Private Entities. We are already familiar with the Anti-Chinese Sentiments in Indian Public and Boycott Chinese Movement in Indian Market.
Militarily, India reacted strongly on the ground with its preparation and pre-emptive actions on and beyond LAC in the Pangong Tso area. India also cleared that these actions were necessary, not to escalate but to secure India’s national integrity & sovereignty.
Again today, both the sides officially confirmed that some gunshots were fired at LAC after many years. Over all the situation in Eastern Ladakh is so critical that many experts perceive it as the situation is on the knife’s edge.
Also Read, Firing After 45 Years Across LAC
Conclusion
China has already been playing on many fronts internationally. Its intensified tensions with the US, Taiwan & Vietnam, specifically in the South China Sea. With Japan regarding the Senkaku Islands. China is also facing a critical situation with Hong Kong. That is why according to some experts, it is less likely that China will escalate the situation at LAC. But, Even if the situation escalates, the Indian Armed Forces are fully geared up & prepared for it from Ladakh to the Strait Of Malacca and further to the South China Sea.
Militarily India has been using the “Tit for Tat” policy. But now the time is so high for India, that it should use the same policy of “Tit for Tat” politically, by rethinking its stand on One China Policy.
