The recent announcement of the establishment of a hotline between India and China has drawn significant attention. This decision was made during a telephonic meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister and China’s Foreign Affairs Minister. The purpose of this hotline is to facilitate immediate communication, ensuring timely exchange of views and information.
Understanding the Hotline Concept
The hotline is essentially a direct telephone line kept operational at all times to ensure immediate communication. The implementation of such a hotline between these two nations provides an efficient communication link, improving dialogue and understanding at critical moments.
India’s Perspective on the Issue
During the discussion, India emphasized the ‘three mutuals’, terms which refer to mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests as the approach in the relationship with China. The country believes that disengagement and de-escalation will lead to peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and thus normalize ties between the two countries.
China’s Stance on The Matter
From China’s perspective, the border situation should not be the predominant aspect of the relationship. Instead, it should occupy what they term as a “proper place” within the overall ties. Their view suggests that business as usual should be resumed by both countries while concurrently dealing with the boundary issue.
A Year of Tensions: Recent Developments Reviewed
The past year saw several instances of conflict between the two nations. In May 2020, there was a clash between the Chinese and Indian forces at Nathu La, Sikkim (India). Following this incident, tensions rose in Ladakh, leading to troop mobilization at multiple locations. In June 2020, the armies of both countries were engaged in a standoff at several places including Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh, which became the epicenter of recent LAC tensions. The same month saw India banning 59 apps originating from China, continuing to block an additional 43 new mobile apps, mostly Chinese, in November 2020 under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. February 2021 marked a significant turn in events when both India and China decided to reach an agreement on disengagement at Pangong Lake.
The Path Forward: Steps towards De-escalation
Following these events, it is crucial for both nations to value the relaxation of tensions achieved so far and work collectively to consolidate this progress. Continuing consultations, easing the situation further, and improving border management and control mechanisms are essential steps both parties must consider.
Mutual Growth and Development
As two major emerging economies, it is vital for India and China to pursue development cooperatively rather than competitively. Working together for shared progress instead of building walls against each other is seen as a mutually beneficial approach. This notion includes advancing boundary talks to build mutual trust and establish peace and tranquillity in the border areas.
