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| Doklam Plateau |
The strategic importance of the Doklam Plateau
The Doklam dispute primarily revolves around the strategic importance of this piece of land. This strategic plateau connects directly with the Northeastern India, the region of India which connects with the rest of the country through a very narrow corridor called Siliguri Corridor. Thus the plateau provides a much needed tactical advantage for the Chinese troops against India in case of any war.
What stakes India have in the Doklam dispute?
Though the Doklam dispute is between China and Bhutan but Indians are more worried about it than Bhutanese. What could be the reason?
The reason is straightforward, and that is the strategic importance of this region in case of any conflict with the neighboring economic and military power. The Siliguri Corridor is already connected with Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan and Indian power circles cannot afford to allow a bitter rival to reach the weaker link of India, directly. China has already made some tactical victories by constructing roads in regions like Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh (regions claimed by both China and India) and the construction of a road on the Doklam Plateau was also part of the same Chinese policy of aggressively increasing their border vigilance and protection.
What caused the recent inflammation of the Doklam Dispute?
The recent spike in tensions was mainly due to the Chinese plan to construct a road on the Doklam Plateau. When China began sending bulldozers excavators and troops into the region, India considering it a threat to its Northeastern region confronted the PLA soldiers. The confrontation resulted in scuffles and stone-throwing between the forces of two countries. The People’s Republic of China heavily criticized the India aggression by saying that Doklam dispute has nothing to do with the Indian state. India responded by giving reference to the mutual defense treaty that Bhutan and India have signed in case of any foreign aggression.
The Indian military and media took it to a new level by creating sensationalism in the country about the threat of an all-out war with China. The aggressive military chief of India, Bipin Rawat, even stated that his country is ready for a two and a half front war (China, Pakistan and Kashmiri freedom fighters). On the other hand, the Chinese government and the communist mouthpiece, The Global Times, also issued and published strong statements and vowed to protect Chinese sovereignty at all costs even if they had to go to a limited war to flush out the infiltrating Indian troops.
How was the Doklam dispute solved?
The Doklam dispute was discussed by the Chinese President, Xi Jing Ping, and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the G-20 summit but no consensus took place apart from one point that the dialogue will continue to reach to a win-win solution. India sent its security advisor, Ajit Kumar Doval, to have a critical dialogue with his Chinese counterpart and it ultimately resulted in the resolution of the crisis, but the statement issued by both the governments differed widely on the outcome.
The Spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed in a press conference that a conflict-like situation had been averted by saying that all the troops and the equipment that was illegally in the Chinese territory have been now moved to the Indian side. The spokesperson further added that the Chinese security forces would continue with their patrols in the Dong Lang (Doklam) area. However, the statement issued by India was in contrast to the statement issued by China, and it was stated by the Indian side that troops of both countries have moved to their previous positions and the status-quo has been restored.
Which version is the correct one? Who knows......
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