The second is engagement, working with China to reach understandings, although this requires some give and take by both sides. Every country’s debate about its China policy has essentially involved how much emphasis it can and should place on each approach. India’s scepticism about China runs farther and deeper than many others, dating back to the late 1950s and especially the 1962 war. While this period also witnessed a hardening of India’s military position on the border, efforts at external balancing slowed down. A combination of approaches will remain in the policy mix of every country.

Source: Hindustan Times June 11, 2020 14:54 UTC