The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru): In an insightful conversation with Sri Iyer on the PGurus Youtube Channel, Major General Rajiv Narayanan(R) delved into the complexities of China’s history, strategic thinking, and its approach to dealing with adversaries, particularly India. The discussion shed light on the historical context, cultural differences, and the evolution of China’s strategic doctrine, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges India faces in countering China’s influence.
Major General Narayanan began by dispelling the misconception that India’s ancient civilization was confined to its current geographical boundaries. He pointed out that the Hindu civilization, or Akhand Bharat, once extended from present-day Persia to central and south Vietnam, and from Kyrgyzstan to the Maldives. This vast expanse was home to the Sanatan Dharma, with kingdoms like Champa in Vietnam and the Pala Empire in Bengal, responsible for the construction of the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex.
The discussion then shifted to the Indus Valley Civilization, which Major General Narayanan referred to as the Saraswati Valley Civilization. He highlighted the evidence of advanced urban planning and civilization dating back to 2800 BC at sites like Kalibangan, which was discovered during the construction of a railway line post-independence. Despite the significance of these findings, the Kalibangan museum, which was ready in 1968, remains unopened to this day, as it challenges the established narrative of India’s civilizational timeline.
In contrast to India’s ancient heritage, Major General Narayanan pointed out that the Chinese civilization, as we know it today, began with the Qin dynasty around 200 BC. He emphasized the distinct cultures and languages of the North and South, with the North eventually conquering and imposing Mandarin as the official language. The discussion also touched upon the role of Sun Yat-sen, a key figure who laid the foundation for both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan.
The conversation then delved into the rise of Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China, highlighting the lessons they learned from Lenin and the Soviet Union in subverting and gaining control. Major General Narayanan shed light on the disastrous consequences of Mao’s policies, such as the Great Leap Forward, which led to the deaths of millions due to famine. He also discussed how the 1962 war with India provided Mao with an opportunity to regain his strength and consolidate power.
Moving on to the reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping, Major General Narayanan explained how Deng laid the groundwork for China’s long-term strategy. This approach involved hiding their claws, biding their time, and never taking leadership until they were strong enough to emerge as a power. The concept of comprehensive national power (CNP) was introduced, encompassing economy, military, diplomacy, and human elements. China’s aim, as highlighted by Major General Narayanan, is to subvert and weaken countries internally by targeting the human element, recognizing its central role in building the economy, military, and diplomatic strength.
The discussion also touched upon the evolution of China’s military strategy, from mass attacks to a combined arms concept and the adoption of unrestricted warfare or “warfare beyond rules.” Major General Narayanan emphasized the importance of the three warfare strategy, which includes psychological warfare, legal warfare, and media warfare, aimed at breaking the morale of the adversary from within.
Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China’s military faces challenges due to Xi’s more dictatorial style of command and the lack of experienced military leaders in the Central Military Commission (CMC). Major General Narayanan pointed out the limitations of China’s navy and air force, despite their apparent advancements, and highlighted the weaknesses in their ground forces.
The conversation then turned to China’s efforts to subvert India from within, with Major General Narayanan citing the book “Mapping Chinese Footprints and Influence in India” by N.C. Bipindra. He highlighted the Chinese influence in Indian media, think tanks, universities, and political parties, particularly the Communist Party and the Indian National Congress (INC). The signing of a deal between the heir apparent of the INC and the Communist Party of China in 2008 was also discussed, raising concerns about the influence of Chinese interests in Indian politics.
Major General Narayanan’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of China’s strategic approach and the challenges India faces in countering its influence. The conversation emphasizes the need for India to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding its interests and countering China’s subversive tactics. It also highlights the importance of understanding history, culture, and the evolving nature of warfare in the context of the Sino-Indian relationship.