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ShareMumbai: Govt must try aggressive diplomacy
This protest by China must not be viewed as against a person or any political party, but against the entire nation. The Chinese have chosen to comment close to the polling day, shows their dishonourable intentions. They certainly wanted to throw the election process into disarray and confuse voters, by asserting their claim on the Indian state. The whole game plan is to weaken India. We can't let them get away with it and must take this issue strongly. On an issue that concerns India's sovereignty, all parties must unite and come forward together, to authorise the government to take stringent measures. A war is not the solution to this, India must try out strong and aggressive diplomacy, to prevent such pin-pricks in future. We must send a clear message to both China and Pakistan.
--Manoj Dharpawar
Move made to undermine our achievements
China's expressing dissatisfaction over prime minister Manmohan Singh's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh is not the first incident of its kind. First there were incursions by the Chinese army into Indian territory, then military personnel wrote the word 'China' on some rocks. We must not forget that we fought a war with China in 1962. India was humbled in the skirmish and had to beat a hasty retreat. The Chinese realise that India is no longer a weak power. We are growing as a military and an economic power in Asia. Moreover, our robust parliamentary democracy, makes it insecure, hence it seeks to undermine our sovereignty. But at the same time, if attacked by China, it would be very difficult to thwart the offensive. Composite dialogue seems to be the only way out to resolve the situation.
--Hardik Dan
Timing makes it suspect, bares their evil motives
The timing of China's protest seems suspicious. While the prime minister visited the frontline state early this month, the Chinese protested on the eve of the polls. This only showcases their malicious objectives. I don't understand why China has to make a hue and cry about it suddenly. The nation probably perceives India as a weak entity. This is evidenced from the army intruding into Indian territory, hopefully the incursions don't snowball into a major conflict. We should use diplomacy to resolve the dispute and avoid blowing it out of proportion and giving it undue importance. If required we need to show China that we won't take this lightly. Their sudden claim that an area in Arunachal Pradesh is part of its territory is absurd.
--Prakash Sangh
Democracy and eco reforms have threatened neighbour
I feel China is the real culprit and is trying to capture Indian territory by unfair means. China has never been a supporter of democracy, be it in their own country orother nations in the neighbourhood. Since they want control over the north-eastern region, which is rich in natural resources, it is opposing positive developments like construction of dams there. While it perceives India as a weaker power, it is wary of the economic might of India. China feels that if India becomes too powerful, it will be a threat to its monopoly in Asia. War is something both countries must avoid at any cost right now. But if it happens, India can definitely thwart the attack. India should ignore the illogical comments made by the Chinese media and politicians.
--Nishita Shah
Arunachal claim, to tighten control over Tibet
In 1995, India and China signed an agreement, which stated that no party would make territorial claims on areas populated by citizens of both countries. China's recent outburst expressing "strong dissatisfaction" over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh is against that agreement.
China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh is still disputed,since it has raised objections to the boundary demarcated by the British. The colonial powers had delineated the McMohan Line in 1914. India and China had 13 rounds of diplomatic dialogue, but haven't come to any resolution. China refuses to share maps of the border, except for some areas.
Tawang, located in Arunachal Pradesh, which houses the oldest Buddhist monastery, is very important to China. China wants to completely assimilate the Tibetan people and alter their history to suit its designs and bolster its claims over Tibet territory. The Tibetan icon - the Dalai Lama also remains a bone of contention. While India is highly supportive of him, China heaps abuse and scorn on the Buddhist religious figure.
--Maroof Raza, defence analy
Negotiations hold key to resolve conflict
The relations between China and India are complex. Both are the most populous countries in the world and are keen to play a larger role in world affairs. China has cooperated with us on occasions, but also bared its belligerent agenda before us. I can't say whether China is jealous of India, but the state's economic might combined with its military prowess is making it insecure. This is a common phenomenon among countries which share a disputed border. India must do everything to secure its borders and at the same time it must engage its diplomatic machinery. We must negotiate with the Chinese. I don't think there is need to take any rash measure on this issue. However it is time to convey the right message in a peaceful manner.
--B Venkatesh Kumar, prof, Tata Institute of Social Science
