China’s border confrontations spiraling into a larger conflict cannot be discounted: CDS Rawat
New Delhi : Even as the 8th round of talks between Indian and China’s People’s Liberation Army ( PLA) is being held in Chushul, India‘s Chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat has said that situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh remains tense and border confrontations & unprovoked tactical military acts spiralling into larger conflict can’t be discounted.
“Situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh remains tense amidst transgressions & belligerent actions by the Chinese. People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is facing unanticipated consequences of its misadventure in Ladakh because of Indian Army’s firm & strong response” said CDS Rawat at the National Defence College in Delhi.
“Our posturing is unambiguous-status quo has to be restored & we’ll not accept any shifting of LAC. A full-scale conflict with China is low on probability, but border confrontations & unprovoked tactical military acts spiralling into larger conflict can’t be discounted” he added.
On Pakistan he said that financial crisis; its inability to come out of the FATF grey list, rising religious fundamentalism and sectarian conflicts will push it into further instability.
The statement by the CDS assumes significance as several strategic analysts have cautioned that the fluid situation in the USA may prompt China to escalate the situation.
“The 8th round of Corps Commander talks are scheduled for Friday but India has to remain on highest alert now than ever before since the fluid situation in US may give ideas to China. Let’s not forget in 1962, the Chinese offensive had come amidst the Cuban Missile crisis” said strategic analyst Nitin Gokhle.