‘Deterrent Message’: China Conducts Missile Intercept Test Near Indian Border

Mumbai: China conducted a surface-to-air missile test on the Karakoram Plateau recently, in what appears to be a clear message of deterrence for India even as both nations are engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve long-standing territorial disputes.

The test involved intercepting a subsonic cruise missile at over 17,390 ft. “The specific location of the test was not disclosed….but analysts say its proximity to the border suggested it was part of a deterrence strategy,” the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.  

Incidentally, the missile intercept test took place the same day India and China held their 31st meeting on border affairs in Beijing. During the meeting, they agreed to maintain peace along the borders by strengthening dialogue. 

According to Chinese analysts quoted by SCMP, China has conducted several such tests on the border plateau region since the 2020 Galwan clashes.  “It carries a certain deterrent message. To avoid war, we must first possess the capability to fight,” Lin Minwang, deputy director, Fudan University’s Centre for South Asian Studies, told the SCMP.

Recent statements from both nations have been mixed regarding ongoing talks. Chinese defence ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang noted last week that India and China had managed to reduce some differences and agreed to enhance dialogue. However, it remains unclear if China will allow the Indian Army to resume patrolling in disputed areas like the Depsang Plains and Demchok.

On the other hand, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that disengagement of troops was only done when he meant that 75 per cent of the dispute had been sorted. “…. that’s one part of the problem. So we’ve been able to sort out much of the disengagement in the friction points. But some of the patrolling issues need to be resolved. The next step will be de-escalation,” he said, which elaborating on India’s difficult history with China at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York.

The timing of the test, during ongoing dialogues, may push India to reassess its defence priorities and bolster its deterrence capabilities, including hypersonic missiles and long-range air-launched cruise missiles, according to regional analysts.