Riding high on the strengths of its economic and military power, China appears to be adopting an intractable stand (“Chinese envoy rules out compromise”, July 5). Its frequent reference to ‘history’ on territorial issues with India conveys an element of arrogance. Subtle reminders of the 1962 debacle are irrelevant in 2017. Creating issues and then calling for dialogue is unacceptable. Only a thin line divides pacifism and cowardice. It is time China shed its hard line and sees reason.
S. Rajagopalan,
Chennai
The Chinese Ambassador’s remarks are perhaps the most belligerent and hawkish statements emanating from a mid-level Chinese official in recent times. Such preconditions are obviously unacceptable to India from a political and military point of view. A PLA spokesman reminding India of the debacle in 1962 shows a lack of maturity. At the same time, some of our defence personnel ought not to have joined in the war of words. This is not the time to indulge in verbal brinkmanship. With neither side prepared to blink first, one only hopes that the tense situation does not escalate into a military conflagration. There has to be a determined pursuit of peace.
S.K. Choudhury,
Bengaluru
For a country aspiring to be world power, China is trying to bully all its neighbouring countries by flexing its military muscle and trying to subjugate them with overpowering military might. This, in the long run, will be its undoing for the simple reason that all the affected neighbours are bound to form a group and try and teach China a lesson.
India is no pushover and China must know that it will pay a price were it to wage a war against India. One hopes that wiser counsel will prevail and the stand-off defused.
Sekhar C.,
Hyderabad
