India need not fear China,says former Army Chief

Former Chief of Army General (retd) J J Singh said speculations that India was countering China against the theory by improving relations with Japan and other South Asian countries did not hold much ground.

Debunking the String of Pearls theory while referring to the Chinese military and commercial relationship along its sea lines of communication,former Chief of Army General (retd) J J Singh said speculations that India was countering China against the theory by improving relations with Japan and other South Asian countries did not hold much ground.

Singh was in PU on Friday to deliver a lecture on Challenges Ahead in India and China relations organised on the occasion of China Day by the India China Friendship Association. General Singh,who is studying McMahon Line in a new light,indicated both countries had to decide how much history could be stretched about the crucial line.

Speaking on the occasion,he said an early solution to the question regarding the McMahon Line,which is the Indo-China border, is being emphasised by both countries.

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He also said India need not fear China as India too possesses nuclear power,which will act as a deterrant. The other natural barrier to win a war from any side is the terrain that is not insurmountable, he added.

It is significant to note General Singh was the first Chief of Army Staff to lead a tri-service delegation to participate in joint training with China. Singh was of the view that joint trainings would bridge the trust deficit. The Chinese President expressed similar views on the issue of joint exercises. Negotiations will challenge preconceived notions, he added.

Discussing the issue,PU V-C Professor Arun Kumar Grover said the question of boundary dispute can be resolved. He added that the scientific communities of the two countries shared harmonious relations.

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