When China Shows Love, Be Ready: A Lesson from History

Whenever China extends a hand of friendship toward India, history teaches us to stay alert. Time and again, warm diplomatic gestures from Beijing have been followed by strategic surprises - often not in India’s favor.

Let’s not be fooled by China's friendly talk. Time and again, it has extended a hand only to strike later. China often speaks with a sweet tongue but acts with a sharp hand. Their playbook is predictable: charm first, confrontation next.

Historical Context: China-India Relations

1962 War Preceded by "Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai"

In the 1950s, India and China proclaimed friendship ("Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai"). Yet, behind the scenes, China was building military infrastructure in Aksai Chin. By 1962, this illusion of friendship shattered with a full-scale war over the disputed border. (1962 border war)

Doklam Standoff (2017)

India and China cooperated in multilateral platforms like BRICS and the SCO, tension escalated along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In 2017, while diplomatic channels remained open, Chinese troops attempted to build a road in the Doklam region, a move that triggered a 73-day military standoff near the India-Bhutan-China trijunction.

Galwan Clash (2020)

Just months after China participated in the SCO meetings and issued statements about regional cooperation, PLA soldiers crossed into the Galwan Valley, resulting in the deadliest border clash between the two countries in over four decades. This occurred despite multiple rounds of military and diplomatic dialogue aimed at "confidence building."

Now in 2025

China has once again signaled a friendly tone at the recent SCO Summit in Tianjin, engaging India in discussions on trade, counterterrorism, and regional stability. While such gestures are diplomatically significant, they should not be taken at face value. Given the historical pattern, it’s wise to interpret such moves with caution. — when China smiles, something big may be coming India's way.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit is a platform where China and India have express shared concerns like terrorism or regional stability. But China's gestures at such forums are not always a sign of improved bilateral relations; sometimes they:

• Aim to reduce international pressure,

• Seek to buy time for strategic recalibration, or

• Serve as part of a broader messaging campaign.

  
  

If China is suddenly dialing up friendly language, it may be:

• Trying to dampen India's alignment with Western blocs (like the Quad or I2U2),

• Distracting while strengthening infrastructure along the LAC, or

• Managing its own internal/external pressures (e.g., economy, U.S. tensions).

The lesson is clear

India must remain vigilant, balancing diplomacy with a clear-eyed assessment of ground realities. History has shown that when China smiles, it is often preparing to act and not always in friendship. With the recent display of goodwill at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, one can’t help but wonder, is another dispute quietly taking shape?

While smiles at summits may capture the spotlight, headlines are filled with images of handshakes, history warns us to judge by actions, not appearances. If the past is any guide, India's policymakers and defense establishment should be on high alert.