China’s Expansionist Tactics

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China’s recent moves on the India-China border raise concerns about sovereignty, water disputes, and regional stability.

India has observed significant Chinese actions along the India-China border, including plans for a dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra) and the creation of new counties in Ladakh. These moves challenge India’s territorial integrity, with India labeling them illegal and asserting its sovereignty.

The proposed dam threatens downstream nations, particularly India and Bangladesh, by reducing water flow, biodiversity, and increasing flood risks. To counter this, India is expediting the construction of 12 hydropower stations in Arunachal Pradesh.

China’s creation of new administrative units and renaming of territories exemplify its strategy of cartographic aggression, which aims to strengthen its claims over disputed regions. Additionally, China asserts territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh and engages in similar disputes with South Asian neighbors like Nepal and Bhutan.

China’s actions often lack international legitimacy, as evidenced by disputes over sovereignty adjudicated by the International Court of Justice. Its tactics, including physical settlement in disputed areas, may escalate tensions.

While Southeast Asian nations respond collectively to China’s actions, South Asian countries, including India, prefer bilateral resolutions. As the dominant power in South Asia, India must lead a unified regional approach, using diplomatic engagement and institutional frameworks to counter China’s influence effectively. A cooperative regional stance is critical to safeguarding territorial and water-related interests against China’s aggressive policies.