ThePrint CutTheClutter: How China used 'borrowed knife' Pakistan against India after Op Sindoor & Beijing's 36 war tactics
Jul 4, 2025
Snehesh Alex Philip, a journalist specializing in defense matters, joins to dissect how China's ancient war tactics are relevant today. They discuss how China manipulates Pakistan as a 'borrowed knife' against India, emphasizing the psychological warfare strategies involved. The conversation dives into military dynamics in South Asia, detailing the technological dependencies and asymmetric warfare tactics. Philip also shares insights on missile advancements and the Indian defense procurement process in light of these regional tensions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
China's 'Borrowed Knife' Tactic
- China used Pakistan as a 'borrowed knife' to attack India without direct involvement.
- Chinese military satellites provided real-time information to Pakistan during the conflict.
India's Escalatory Ladder in Conflict
- India conducted a targeted strike against nine terrorist bases dynamically chosen based on intelligence.
- India escalated methodically, first hitting terrorist pads, then Pakistani air bases after Pakistani military attacks.
Ancient Chinese Stratagems Explained
- The 36 Chinese stratagems provide strategic insights still relevant today in warfare and politics.
- Key stratagems include misdirection, using proxies, and exploiting rival conflicts to one's advantage.