Paper
Lora Saalman
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Source: Getty
In The Media
Li Keqiang's Visit to Delhi
The recent border dispute between China and India may initiate a more comprehensive system between the two countries for communicating on territorial issues and other points of contention.
By Lora Saalman
Published on May 9, 2013
Source: News X
Speaking to News X, Carnegie-Tsinghua’s Lora Saalman detailed the Chinese rationale behind the three-week Ladakhi border stand-off between China and India. Saalman stated that Beijing does not consider its troop movements an incursion into India since the Line of Actual Control remains undefined. While instead declaring the maneuver a tactical move, she noted that, despite the spike in tensions, China views its territorial disputes in the East and South China Sea as “much more pressing.”
From a political standpoint, Saalman discussed how Beijing has advocated for new mechanisms and for stronger strategic bilateral discussions. She noted that the Chinese recognize the potential for small incidents to escalate quickly and derail political and economic relations. Saalman concluded by noting that the incident may initiate “healthy discourse between the two countries.”
About the Author
Lora Saalman
Former Nonresident Associate, Nuclear Policy Program
Saalman was a nonresident associate in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Her research focuses on China’s nuclear and strategic policies toward India, Russia, and arms control.
- Balancing Chinese Interests on North Korea and Iran
- Why Beijing Stands by PyongyangIn The Media
Lora Saalman
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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