It was becoming apparent after Chinese ambassador's claim on Arunachal Pradesh just before Chinese premier's (or was it the president?) last visit to India that simple negotiations and discussions across the table is not going to solve this issue unless it is backed by military-economic strength and deft diplomatic maneuvering. Despite counterclaims, India has made some efforts in diplomatically containing China by joining with US, Japan and Australia. We also need to reach out to states contiguous to China such as Vietnam, Kampuchea, and Laos with more involvement in their economic development leading to our military presence there. I recall an article by K. Subramanyam some 20 years back about how China could easily get control of Burmese jungles in the north and threaten India's eastern states from South. Chinese have succeeded i doing something better. They already have a port in Burma and and another one at Gwadar in Pakistan. Chinese have made overtures to SAARC member in Indian Ocean for more engagement which India is finding difficult to counter. With India's missile capability and nuclear deterrence, it would be difficult for china to conduct a raw military operation like the one in 1962. However, they can force us down by encircling us, which we need to avoid and counter with our own encirclement of China.
