ChinaTalk China-India Clashes: What Happens Next?
Jun 24, 2020
Akhil Bery, an analyst at the Eurasia Group with a focus on geopolitical issues, joins former senior analyst Sasha Riser Kositsky, who’s now pursuing an MBA. They dive deep into the recent deadly clashes on the China-India border, unraveling the historical context and territorial claims that fuel these tensions. The conversation explores future implications for US-India relations, India's economic strategies, and even adds a dash of humor with comedic improvisation about international diplomacy. It's a lively and insightful discussion on a complex geopolitical landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Historical Context of the Border Dispute
- The China-India border dispute stems from a British-Tibet agreement, the McMahon Line, which China never signed.
- India's first Prime Minister, Nehru, prioritized Pakistan as a threat over China, contributing to the 1962 border war.
Impact of the 1962 War
- The 1962 war significantly impacted the Line of Actual Control, pushing it deeper into India's claimed territory.
- India's military investment is substantially lower than China's, limiting its options in the current dispute.
Reasons for the Recent Clash
- Two key factors escalated the recent border clash: India's infrastructure buildup in the region and its territorial claims on Aksai Chin.
- India's road construction in Ladakh reduces troop mobilization time, concerning China, which is building a connecting railway.
