Hindi Chini, Bhai Bhai

When we consider a border tension between the two nuclear powers of the 21st century, the possible outcomes depend not just on the two belligerents, but also on many other players who come into the play. Thus, to assess the implications and further possibilities of Indo-Chinese border conflict at Galwan valley, we need to consider the stands of global and regional powers too.

Firstly the United States; With the highest number of cases of the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions flaring within its borders, the US hasn’t take any critical stand about the issue. But this is a golden opportunity for the US to cause major damage to its biggest trade war opponent. The US Navy already has its presence in the Indian Ocean and other strategic locations like the South China Sea. That force can be used to put pressure on the PRC to deescalate the situation. Another way for the US is imposing heavier taxes on Chinese goods, which in turn will help US in its trade race with PRC. In these harder times for businesses worldwide, this move will definitely cause PRC to deescalate the situation with India.

But all this would have been possible, if it wasn’t the US it currently is. US government is already indulged in major internal affairs. The coronavirus count of US has already crossed 2M mark with more than 122K fatalities. If it is less, police brutalities against Afro-American minorities and government’s stand on it are already under heavy criticism. Also, current US government’s policy of ‘Disengagement from other countries’ conflicts’ irrespective of its regional and global implications might prevent it from responding to Chinese aggression against India.

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