Chinese Belligerence Threat To International Order: Army Chief General Manoj Pande

General Pande made these comments while speaking at the 118th annual session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, IE reported.

“Concurrently, Chinese belligerence is evident in its continuing propensity to project power outside its region, in turn presenting a threat to rules-based international order,” he was quoted as having said.

His remarks come at a time when the two sides are trying to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), particularly in eastern Ladakh.

“Grey Zone pursuits by our adversaries continue, even as we speak. Also, we are dealing with internal security situations, which have their unique set of challenges,” he said, as per the report.

He as per the report also said that with its economic heft, China has been looking at geo-political and trade engagements as zero-sum games.

“But the most important pointer for us is that our legacy challenges of unsettled borders continue and stand amplified due to collusion between our western and northern adversary,” he was quoted as having said, while referring to Pakistan and China.?

“Space, cyber, electromagnetic as well as cognitive domains of information warfare have assumed greater significance, and critically impact outcomes in today’s battlefield,” he said, as per the report.

According to the report, General Pande also said these developments are making the battle space more complex, contested and lethal.

“Our stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a fine example, where we stood steadfast and clear towards addressing legitimate pursuits of our national interests,” he said, as per the report.?

He said the dividends are evident in “our pursuits as part of bilateral and multilateral groupings and alliances”, the report mentioned.

“Consequently, today India has a voice on the world stage that is distinct, rooted in Indian ethos and effective in articulating the concerns of the Global South,” he said, the report mentioned.

“Lessons from recent conflicts have shown us that the security of the nation can neither be outsourced, nor be dependent on the largesse of others,” he said, the report mentioned.?