‘China Betrays Again’ is a comprehensive and thoroughly researched work that combines historical analysis, military insights, and geopolitical perspectives.
“China Betrays Again” by Maj Gen (Dr) Ashok Kumar (Retd) is a thought-provoking exploration into the complex dynamics between India and China. The author, drawing on his extensive experience, presents a compilation of over 50 articles that scrutinize China’s actions, policies, and the implications for India. The book’s overarching theme is China’s betrayal of India in 2020, echoing the historical betrayal of 1962. The author emphasizes the crucial need for India to understand its adversary to fortify its security and national growth, with a detailed analysis of China’s thought process, shedding light on the complexities of India-China relations.
The book offers a nuanced perspective on China’s journey till date and the work is not just any analysis from available documents but draws from personal experiences while serving on the eastern front. The author meticulously dissects China’s recurrent pattern of disregarding international commitments. The narrative spans from the Panchsheel agreement to the “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai” sentiment, unraveling the deep-seated inconsistencies in Chinese diplomacy.
The underlying cautionary theme warns of an imminent betrayal and underscores the necessity for India to be well-informed to formulate a robust national response. The book unfolds in a comprehensive manner, covering socio-political, economic, and military developments in China from 1 October 1949, to Xi Jinping’s rise to power on 14 March 2013 and the present-day discourse. The chronological approach provides readers with a historical context, setting the stage for a deep dive into the intricate relationship between the two nations.
The initial chapters delve into China’s expansionist tendencies, exploring its territorial ambitions from Xinjiang in 1949 to the Ladakh incursions in 2019. The author meticulously examines the granularities of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and offers insights into the implications of China’s land boundary laws. The detailed analysis serves as a foundation for understanding the broader conflict. The author, having spent considerable time on the eastern front, sheds light on the military aspects of the India-China relationship. The chapters on the Ladakh standoff, from Galwan to Yangtse, unravel a saga of distrust and betrayal. The book underscores the urgency for India to equip itself militarily and enhance its border infrastructure in response to the “lull” at the LAC.
The book extends its focus beyond the military standoff, examining the political and social discourse for national security. It warns against falling for China’s ploy to create buffers along the LAC and revisits the Doklam crisis. Additionally, the author explores the role China played in pushing Sri Lanka into a debt trap, emphasizing the need for India’s proactive engagement. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to China’s maritime expansion, analysing its threat to the world.
The author explores the vulnerabilities of China in the Indian Ocean, suggesting that the Quad exploit this weakness to choke the PLA. The strategic importance of the India- China border is emphasized, highlighting the changing profile and the need for recalibrating strategies. Chapters on rocket-missile forces, forward sustainment bases, and the urgency to focus on ammunition until full indigenization underscore India’s military preparedness. The book critically analyses China’s overtures and examines the Ladakh standoff’s cost on China, including its big tech failure.
The book concludes with an analysis of India-China relations, raising questions about whether they are moving towards a point of “no return.” It scrutinizes China’s vulnerability in the Indian Ocean and suggests ways for India to exploit this weakness. The author proposes a careful examination of Xi Jinping’s third term as President and reflects on the need for an Indian bridge at Pangong Tso.
“China Betrays Again” is a comprehensive and thoroughly researched work that combines historical analysis, military insights, and geopolitical perspectives. The author’s extensive experience adds credibility to the narrative, and the chronological organization of topics facilitates a coherent understanding of the complex issues at hand. The book not only serves as a cautionary tale but also urges policymakers and the public to stay informed about China’s actions for a robust national response.
The book is an indispensable read for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of India-China relations. Through meticulous analysis, the author provides a nuanced exploration of China’s actions and their implications for India’s security. The book serves as a wake-up call, urging India to be vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by its eastern neighbour expanding the narrative beyond the military realm, exploring the political and social discourse for national security. The book additionally delves into China’s influence in neighboring countries, such as Sri Lanka, and its attempts to delay India’s military plans.
Book: China Betrays Again
Author: Maj Gen (Dr)
Ashok Kumar (Retd).
Publisher: Sabre & Quill.
Pages: 283
Price: 1,295
The author discusses China’s failures, both in Ladakh and in the realm of technology, offering insights into India’s counter-strategy. The book also serves as a food for thought to the political scientists in its latter part where the author scrutinizes China’s political landscape, particularly Xi Jinping’s potential third term as President, besides discussing the challenges of India-China military talks that involves factors like rocket-missile forces, forward sustainment bases, and ammunition until full indigenization.
The book concludes by exploring the role of China, UAE, and India in the UN Security Council vote on the Russia-Ukraine war and the intricate dynamics surrounding Taiwan, which makes it a must read in this ongoing geopolitical scenario.
Dr Monojit Das is a geopolitical expert.