A second Global Times (October 11)article referred to the PLA Western Theatre Command
statement released on October 11 saying that "China has made tremendous efforts to ease and calm
the border situation, while India insisted on unreasonable and unrealistic demands, adding
difficulties to the negotiations". It quoted the PLA Western Theatre Command statement that
"China's determination to safeguard sovereignty is unwavering, and China hopes India will not
misjudge the situation". It said "the "status quo" that India referred to is to legitimize their
continuous encroachment on Chinese territory. India's statement said the "resolution of the
remaining areas would facilitate progress in the bilateral relations." This shows the Indian side's
current attitude of linking border disputes with overall China-India relations and trying to coerce
the Chinese side to make concessions". It said the border issue between China and India remains
stuck because the "Indian side still hasn't developed a correct attitude in the negotiations. It always
makes unrealistic demands not in line with the real situation or its strength". It added that "New
Delhi anticipates Beijing softening its stance over the border issue and yielding to its demands to
prevent New Delhi from aligning itself with Washington against Beijing" and that "such an
opportunistic attitude has lowered India's status in international politics as a major power, because
this tactic will not work between great powers. The border issue is related to the dignity of all nations. So, when border conflicts occur between two major countries, it needs to be managed based on
major power relations. And for any of these countries, trying to coerce the other side to make
concessions not in line with the real situation and detrimental to its national interests creates a
problem for itself. This is because its goal is impossible to achieve, and will only create trouble for
itself". "The Chinese people know that both China and India are great powers with enough national
strength to sustain a long-time border standoff with each other. Such mutual attrition is regrettable,
but if India is willing to do so, China will keep it company until the end. New Delhi needs to be
clear about one thing: it will not get the border the way it wants. If it starts a war, it will definitely
lose. Any political manoeuvring and pressure will be ignored by China". It said "India is indulging
itself this way. It has lacklustre abilities, but has turned itself into a "superpower of patriotism." In
addition to border disputes with China, India also often raises unreasonable demands over other
issues". In conclusion the article said "In handling the border dispute with India, it is of the utmost
importance for China to do two things. First, we should stick to the principle that no matter how
India makes trouble, China's territory belongs to China and we will never cede it. The second is to
be patient and be prepared for a military struggle in the event of a deteriorating scenario, but do our
best to maintain peace in the China-India border area. India is still sleepwalking on the border issue.
We can wait for it to wake up".
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