Cybernetics
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Donglang situation is de-escalating, lets assess what each country got out of this situation:
China
India
China
- Diplomatic inroads into Bhutan in the near future (establishing of formal relations soon), with literal roads and railways within a few years. These transport projects were planned years before but needed an event to trigger the establishing of formal relations with Bhutan.
- Testing of internal response (civilian and military) to a possible conflict with India and others. From an internal perspective it is a success as the potential conflict drew wide support through social media/official media within China and many civilians rushed to blood donation centres in hopes of saving the life of a Chinese soldier. Hawks within the PLA views the civilian government as not being vigilant enough when it comes to geopolitical concerns and always wanted them to "wake up". This event triggered a heightened awareness within civilians, government, military, and intellectual circles and possible funding increases for relevant agencies.
- Excuse to build Western-section of South-North Water Transfer Project. It's harder diplomatically to do this when relations are good with India. The western portion is the most difficult and is drawing more support from scientists, government, and civilians recently.
- Presented a more transparent PLA to other major powers. Although viewed by some as "war of words" it is a recent drive to be more transparent to avoid misunderstandings/miscalculation. The PLA will escalate the situation in accordance to its opponent's actions, starting from diplomatic channels to avoid unnecessary conflict.
India
- Assessed China's escalation schedule. Knowing better how China will respond to a particular stimuli, India is able to better play situations with China. It can escalate tension to its benefit and release tension when before it touches China's bottom line. More border situations are to come.
- Greater strategic importance as viewed by Washington. This will entail greater opportunities for India to exercise its geopolitical aims via American security apparatus in regions such as Afghanistan and Central Asia. More joint exercises and weapon deals are to come.
- Substantial aid and investment package from China
- An option to hedge India and China against each other for its development and reduce the control one country has over Bhutan.
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