Shared some thoughts with @smitha_tk in this report on the Chinese media's coverage of events so far.
Just to add to the points that I've mentioned here.
Just to add to the points that I've mentioned here.
If it wasn't clear earlier to people in India, now it should be. The argument that the Chinese side initiated this standoff in April-May because it wanted to stoke nationalism and divert attention from domestic issues does not stand scrutiny.
The Chinese readout of the Wang Yi-Jaishankar call indicates that in all likelihood, the PLA did suffer a reasonable number of casualties in the Galwan clash. It would seem odd to ask for "a thorough investigation" if that were not the case. fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_66…
On the number of casualties, it isn't really necessary that the numbers be made public for this to have political implications for the leadership in China. Public opinion is not inconsequential, but what really matters is elite politics in China. And Party elites will know.
Finally, from the reports and statements, it appears that both sides do not desire escalation for now. This is good. But let's not get complacent. The deaths of soldiers have created a new dynamic. We're unlikely to settle back into the old pattern of transgressions/incursions.
Both sides will know that we need to work towards a new normal that is hopefully less volatile. This will not be easy. The nature of the boundary dispute, the simultaneous rise of India and China, the power asymmetry, & geopolitical changes along with a more assertive China...
mean that there will be more friction down the line. Therefore, it is imperative that Indian policymakers cultivate pressure points and invest in domains that will keep the cost of conflict for China fairly high.
