The Design in China’s Actions and Behaviour

An Assessment

Abstract

On its foundation in 1949, securing its strategic periphery and annexation of Tibet and Xinjiang was one of the primary goals of the
People’s Republic of China (PRC). With the multiple aims of achieving economic, strategic, and political dominance, China has further
enhanced its connectivity with Asia, Africa, and Eurasia by its Belt and Road initiative (BRI). Considering the rapidly changing geopolitics and economic challenges, the Chinese, as part of their long-term designs, have whipped up ‘nationalism’ by multiple means. The military interventions, assertiveness, and expansionism have been based on a design to serve its national interests—especially the economic, political, and strategic ones. The boundary dispute between India and China continues to remain unresolved, due to certain designs of the PRC. It is important to analyse the strategic significance of Eastern Ladakh, especially when additional security personnel has been inducted into the Gilgit Baltistan region by China as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Despite the border management mechanisms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) in place and the periodic engagements at different levels, the PLA surprised the Indians by contacting and/or transgressing across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on a wide front in Eastern Ladakh in May 2020. Thus, China’s designs call for India to improve its preparedness, and review its policy, pursue its goals and maintain peace and stability in the region.