The Indian Army was already on high alert, beat back the Chinese attack in Tawang
Tawang Clash: This clash happened at a time when the war between Russia and Ukraine is going on and on the other hand, Nancy Pelosi recently visited Taiwan despite threats from China. Over 2 years after Fatal Galwan clashes in Ladakh with large number of soldiers of both Chinese PLA and Indian army laying down their lives, on 8 and 9 December, China again tried to use huge force and violence to capture vital heights in the East and open a new Front against India. The clashes took place in Yangste Sector in Arunachal Pradesh provoked the PLA forces armed with mob assault weapons who tried to occupy important dominating Mountain posts, before the winter snow starts and area gets cut off.
The Indian Army was already on high alert from intelligence inputs and increased Chinese air violations, anticipated the Chinese move and beat back the attack, with reports of serious injuries to Chinese soldiers. Three Infantry Regiments – Sikh Light, Jat and Jammu Kashmir rifles soldiers used their strength to force back Chinese aggression. In the anger of being beaten back, even shots were fired in desperation by Chinese soldiers.
The Home and Defence Ministers have praised alertness and bravery of Army jawans. Rajnath Singh confirmed in Parliament that no Indian soldier has been mortally injured, praising quick reaction of Commanders to hold Flag meeting after the clashes. America is also closely monitoring situation with White House press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling on India and China to disengage and resolve bilateral channels to discuss Boundary disputes.
Tawang Clash: Real Chinese intent exposed
Key worry is that in Doklam in 2017, Ladakh in 2020 (when only minor clashes took place in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh) the Chinese have already gained minor advantages. Now they are showing real intent for their historic claims on Arunachal Pradesh and Tawang. China refers to Arunachal as South Tibet and in it Tawang is key being birthplace of previous Dalai Lamas. 15 places in Arunachal have been given names in Chinese Mandarin language.
Tawang Clash: China considers Taiwan to be part of its One China Policy
Having learnt its lessons from the Galwan clashes and occupation of Kailash heights by Indian Army in Ladakh, strategists feel that this serious border clash was attempt by Chinese to occupy heights in Yangste during winters, so that India is left with no alternative but to accept the Chinese claim in that area next year. In their side of the claim line China has made a huge border village just behind their logistics base with which it would have expanded its occupation.
Also Read: Tawang Face-off: China lies on clash with Indian Army in Tawang
These clashes have also happened at a time when Ukraine -Russia war is going on from early 2022 and America’s Nancy Pelosi recently chose to visit Taiwan even after dire warning by China. It was not able to deter the visit and its large scale Military exercises to surround Taiwan led to strong American response. So, it is possible that China is testing the morale of Indian Army troops before trying for bigger invasion attempts towards Tawang. Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently tightened his grip on power within the CCP in October 2022 with live coverage of former President Hu Juntao being removed from the closing ceremony. Due to large scale protests and violence in many Chinese cities and towns, aggression in Arunachal is one option to reduce the pressures and anger against Xi Jinping within China.
Tawang Clash: The NSA moniters the situation closely
The Indian Armed Forces are on high alert with CDS General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Manoj Pandey briefing the Defence Minister. The NSA Ajit Doval is monitoring the situation closely. Speaking to Bharat Express, retired Lt General Vishnu Chaturvedi expressed full faith in professionalism and aggressive spirit of Army soldiers. “We have the best soldiers, junior and higher leadership pitched against an unreliable neighbour who believes in expansion. But our higher strategy led by a very matured Prime Minister will not hesistate to take strong decisions in National Interest,” he stated to Bharat Express.
