Recently, India has once again provoked China's sovereignty, not only ruling on the issue of the "first direct territory" in the Ladakh region, but also downgrading the status of Kashmir, which has aroused the dissatisfaction of China and Pakistan. The motivation behind this series of actions can be traced back to the coming India**. In order to gain more voter support, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tried to elevate his leadership position by further reinforcing his image as a "strongman". However, such an act not only offended China, but also angered Pakistan. Modi's backers also played a role in fueling the flames.
It is undeniable that China has been more moderate in its approach to foreign affairs, including recent provocations by the Philippines in the South China Sea. At the same time, China has been relatively lenient in its response to India, using only one or two non-deterrent actions, such as water cannon attacks. Despite China's desire to make peace with its neighbors, for some, such a gesture may be seen as weakness and bully. India, in particular, often mistakenly believes that China can let it run wild. For such countries, China should warn them with actions that have a substantial deterrent effect, and only then can they realize that provoking China is not worth the cost.
Two recent rulings by India's Supreme Court have sparked discontent across the region. The first is to rule on the legitimacy of the Ladakh region as a "** Territory", and the Ladakh region is located on the other side of the Galwan Valley. Then there was the downgrading of Kashmir from "semi-autonomous" status to an Indian "state". These two rulings not only provoke China's territorial sovereignty, but also provoke strong opposition from Pakistan.
Ladakh has historically been part of China**, however, in the mid-18th century, the British made it their own colony. After independence, India continued to occupy this land. In 2020, India sought to further encroach on Chinese territory by deploying border guards across the border in the Galwan Valley, provoking a conflict with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Kashmir has been the focus of disputes between India and Pakistan, and India's downgrading of its status has sparked strong resentment in Pakistan. The ruling not only has a number of negative consequences for relations between India and Pakistan, but has also further exacerbated tensions in the region.
The supporters behind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are trying to use this series of provocative actions to bolster his leadership in order to gain more voter support in the coming India**. In the current increasingly volatile international situation, the people of every country want their country's leaders to be more resolute and strong. Because they believe that this is the only way to deter other countries and thus ensure their own security. Modi has decided to show his tough image by constantly provoking China and Pakistan as a way to gain traction among the people.
However, the supporters behind Modi have also played a role in promoting his "strongman image". These forces have pushed Modi to take more radical action in order to defend their interests. The United States has also instigated and supported India behind the scenes, further exacerbating regional tensions.
In general, India has been very arrogant in its provocation of China. One reason for this is that China has been relatively mild in its diplomacy. The Philippines has made frequent provocations in the South China Sea in the past six months, while China has carried out only one or two water cannon attacks and verbal warnings, but has taken no other, more deterrent actions. While this approach to foreign relations demonstrates China's good intentions, it may be seen as weak and bully by other countries. Under such circumstances, India mistakenly believes that China can tolerate its arrogant behavior and frequently provokes China's territorial sovereignty.
It is essential to maintain a firm and strong position when dealing with border disputes and territorial sovereignty issues between States. For countries like India, which regularly provoke China's sovereignty, China should take more forceful action to make it realize that provoking China is not worth the cost. In safeguarding its national interests and territorial sovereignty, China should not always remain in the rhetoric of appeals, condemnations, and urges, but should show firmer and more forceful actions while maintaining moderation.
On the other hand, when dealing with disputes with neighboring countries, China should pay more attention to balance, not only safeguarding its own territorial integrity, but also considering regional peace and stability. Maintaining friendly relations with neighboring countries and safeguarding their own interests through firm diplomatic means are mutually reinforcing.
In short, in the face of a country like India that provokes China's sovereignty, China must firmly defend its interests and territorial sovereignty, and show more forceful actions. At the same time, when dealing with border disputes with neighboring countries, it is also necessary to pay attention to balance, not only to safeguard its own interests, but also to promote regional peace and stability. Only in this way can China demonstrate a firm and confident stance on the international stage.