Flustered at the prospect of Indian armed forces deploying BrahMos supersonic missile in advanced outposts, targeting parts of China-controlled Tibet and other regions, a rattled Global Times has furnished another embarrassing piece. The CCP mouthpiece in an article titled, “India’s plan to deploy BrahMos missile escalates border tension, but of no actual threat: observers” tried to posture that India deploying the BrahMos missile was a no biggie. However, the tone and tenor of the article suggested otherwise.
The tabloid magazine noted, “Chinese observers slammed the Indian government’s plan to deploy the BrahMos missile – its most advanced missile – at the India-China border, warning it would add new barriers in talks to peacefully address the border tension and further deteriorate ties.”
Quoting one Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, the publication argued that China could destroy BrahMos in the tracks before it could be fired. “China could even strike and destroy BrahMos missile silos and other military facilities in advance in events of conflicts”
Global Times wants peaceful talks now
Unlike the aggressive war-mongering stance GT usually takes, the publication batted for peace talks, suggesting a mellowed down approach in the aftermath of India’s decision, “The deployment of the BrahMos can be interpreted as India’s pretense of taking a tough stand over the matter, contrary to the fact that the two sides both emphasize the need to address the border issues through peaceful talks,”
The one-of-a-kind BrahMos missile is a short-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from aircraft, land, submarines or ships. China is wary of the mobility and compactness of the deadly missile and hence is writing such op-eds.
Tibet and India’s aggressive infrastructure development
Tibet lately has become the flashpoint, with India aggressively looking to take the fight to China. Ever since the Doklam clash and last year’s standoff in the Galwan valley, India has put its foot on the gas and started developing infrastructure near the border areas with a breakneck speed.
Good that China is noting all this. Brahmos is already targeting Chinese installations in Tibet. This is being publicised now to send on open signal to China about India’s preparedness to meet China’s threat. https://t.co/RMY1UkigFe
— Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) November 14, 2021
Recently, Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for Centre had told the Supreme Court, “These are inhospitable terrains where Army needs to move heavy vehicles, machineries, weapons, missiles, tanks, troops and food supplies. Our BrahMos missile is 42 feet long and needs large vehicles to carry its launchers. If the Army cannot move its missile launchers and machineries upto the northern China border, then how will it fight a war, if it breaks out”.
Speaking of war preparedness, as reported by TFI, the Indian government, earlier this year moved 50,000 troops to the Indo-Tibet borders. India now has roughly 200,000 troops focused on the border, which is an increase of more than 40 per cent from last year.
The number of troops has also been increased along the southern Tibetan plateau, with soldiers equipped with machine guns having joined the retinue of armed paramilitary personnel already stationed there.
Jinping rushing to Tibet to secure fort
Moreover, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished his holiness Dalai Lama by tweeting a birthday message, the Chinese were up in arms about the gesture. Such was the anxiety within the CCP camp that President Xi Jinping hurriedly dispatched himself to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) on a surprise visit to soothe the jangling nerves.
Read More: PM Modi’s birthday wish to the Dalai Lama and his Ladakh preparations have made Jinping nervous
It was the first time after assuming the role of the Chinese President that Xi Jinping visited Tibet. He orchestrated a grand welcome for himself, in which CCP stooges pretended to be Tibetan citizens who were overwhelmed to see their supreme leader amongst them.
India imparting Tibetology course
To further rile China, soldiers and officers serving along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are being given special training under which they are learning all about Tibet. The course called ‘Tibetology’ encompasses training of culture, language, history along with Buddhist philosophy being followed in Tibet.
The Tibetology course is aimed towards making soldiers efficient in handling intelligence operations in Tibet, ultimately leading to better strategies.
Read More: Tibetology: India’s new weapon against China and the magic it is working
New airports being developed, Rafale deployed
To counter China on the border, an aggressive India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also gearing up to build four new airports and 37 helipads across the Union Territory of Ladakh. The process of land identification and preliminary discussions have been concluded and the next stage would be a joint report by key stakeholders like the DGCA, Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force.
In addition to the BrahMos, India has started deploying its second squadron of 4.5th generation Rafale jets in the strategically crucial eastern base of Hasimara in West Bengal.
Thus, through the aforementioned article regarding BrahMos it is evident that China is rattled by the defensive and offensive preparation of India, and thus is seeking a peaceful route.