The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India

This is an insightful book which puts into context the current relationship between India and China.

This is a magnificent and scholarly work that far too many of us overlook. When discussing China, our media often spews misinformation about the Chinese authorities and their people, showcasing a blatant ignorance of their true nature. Previously, we lacked insights into the inner workings of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but this book decisively fills that gap. It is an essential read for anyone serious about diplomacy. Mr. Gokhale has poured his heart and expertise into this masterwork, and it demands the attention it rightly deserves.

Just finished reading the book. I am very interested in relationship between India and China and it riles me no end that China has been consistently successful at Salami slicing and always an arm twister in every negotiation using below board tactics. This book is just the right one to read to know more. My peeve about this book is that the first two chapters have many repetition of the same thing stated in different ways. That can be annoying when you are in a hurry to know more quickly! Now, with that out of the way, the author has given a good insight into how our (India and China) negotiations and relations have evolved over the last 70 + years. That India was keen to recognize communist China in the late 50s and went overboard to please China while China had the gall to say they were not interested in getting recognition unless India met their demands- that was something new to learn. We were stupid to fall for it. (And to think that we supported China to become a permanent member of UN Security Council!!) Over a long period of time , India learnt , but not fully* (see below), how to handle China. The author details this is chapters 3 to 6 listing Pokhran, Sikkim, The 123 Nuclear deal and listing Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UN per 1267 resolution. The Chapter 7 is worth its weight in gold. For anyone who is interested in India - China relationship, this book is a must and for anyone who plans to be in IFS, Chapter 7 is mandatory. It lists every crooked trick that China uses to bring pressure on the opposite party and how India should be wary and prepared for such situations. It is also a must read for politicians who will be some way associated with foreign (especially China) relations including members of Standing committees. China has been for far too long getting away with having the cake and eating it too. In all future negotiations with China, India has to shed its very civil and polite behavior and be very aggressive. The negotiators on the Indian side should be fully supported by the powers that be - they should be under no pressure of time and the negotiators should bluntly be able to call off the negotiations and call China's bluff. We should have our version of wolf warriors - Tiger warriors - who are even more aggressive and blunt. That is the ONLY language China understands and the only way India can make any progress in any negotiation with China. but not fully* During bloody standoff recently in the Ladakh region, India stood firm and showed its resolve to meet the Chinese aggression firmly. That is a change from the past. However why did India agree to vacate the higher ground at Gogra heights first before making sure China vacates Galwan and other places? The author cautions about precisely this in Chapter 7!!!

The book "Long Game" has been written very thoughtfully for lessons to be learnt from our past dealing with China. Helpful for all those who are interested in the Indian foreign policy vis a vis China. The language is lucid and interesting to read. Only thing is, critical analysis of past decisions by our leaders needs more pragmatic approach, keeping the context in the frame of yesteryears situations.

Excellent for everyone who wishes to study foreign affairs and diplomacy❤️