When two nations are at loggerheads over something as important as border dispute, the diplomats on either side tread a very careful line. Words are used articulately and in a very measured tone so as not to aggravate matters and jeopardize any possibility of a thaw in an iced relationship.
But it appears that the Chinese are cast in a different mold – they either don’t know the right words or are in a state of hubris which explains their brazenness.
AP Photo/Gurinder Osan
While Indian troops continue with a standoff against the Chinese army at Doklam in Bhutan, the deputy chief of mission in the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, Liu Jinsong, called India’s move “risky and indisciplined”.
According to a report published by The Asian Age, Jinsong also warned India of “serious consequences” if Indian Army troops were not immediately pulled back from Doklam.
“We don’t want Indian troops in Doklam for a single day, not even for a single hour. Your (India’s) legs are becoming too long. It is an indisciplined, risky and harmful move (by India),” Jinsong reportedly said.
Deputy chief of mission in the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, Liu Jinsong, at the 67th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China in New Delhi in 2016. Embassy of China
He rejected any possibility for discussions while asserting that Doklam is “Chinese territory”.
The remark is not only outrageous but unbecoming in the world of diplomacy. Provocative statements are generally not issued by envoys or ambassadors.
Strategic thinker and commentator Brahma Chellany wrote this on Twitter in response to the words used by the Chinese envoy:
UGLY CHINESE: Chinese Embassy’s No. 2 warns his host state India of “serious consequences.” And India tolerates such unbecoming conduct! Sad
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) August 4, 2017
Imagine what China would do to an Indian diplomat who dared to threaten it from its soil with “serious consequences.” Kick him out, and more
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) August 4, 2017
The Doklam matter, in which China attempted to build a road on Bhutanese territory in violation of agreements between Thimpu and Beijing, has escalated into a matter of international concern. For the last six weeks, Indian troops and Chinese troops are facing off against each other on the high Himalayan plateau.
The location of Doklam plateau. BBC
The Chinese started constructing a road in the region, thereby directly threatening the sovereignty of Bhutan and the security of India’s northeast. Yet the Chinese, due to their immense control over the media, have been painting themselves as the victim and India as an aggressor.
And while Chinese foreign ministry continuously threatens India and attempts to claim the high moral ground on the matter, New Delhi has maintained a disciplined diplomatic stance.
EAM @SushmaSwaraj raises Doklam issue in the Rajya Sabha. #ITVideo
Watch her full speech: https://t.co/dLJK0nfNMM pic.twitter.com/XLGo22HZRJ— India Today (@IndiaToday) August 3, 2017
Comments issued by senior minister of the Indian government as well as the top officials of the armed forces have been measured yet strong.
Unlike the arrogant Chinese government statements, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday that war is not the solution. She reminded a belligerent Beijing that bilateral talks can solve problems.
