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The Indian Army has authorized "complete freedom of action" for its troops deployed along the China-India Line of Actual Control after a deadly June 15 skirmish which left 20 Indian soldiers dead and an unconfirmed number of PLA troop casualties. China now says these new Rules of Engagement by India "make war inevitable."

An editorial in Chinese state-run Global Times lays out the Chinese response, underscoring the "change" will inevitably "turn into a military conflict" which is "not what most Chinese and Indian people wish to see," according to the editorial.

"If this new approach is implemented and Indian troops shoot Chinese soldiers in the first place in future encounters, then the China-India border dispute will turn into a military conflict. This is not what most Chinese and Indian people wish to see," it reads.

The editorial warns the potential for a dangerous end to China-India bilateral agreements for deescalation hangs in the balance. It slams what it suggests is in reality a reckless domestic opinion driven response, given the widespread outrage in India over the troop deaths last week.

The Global Times statement continues:

Although "complete freedom of action" is the Modi administration's appeasement to the Indian army and public opinion, it is extremely irresponsible. It shows that India may be tearing up the two countries' most important agreements, and this will seriously increase the two troops' mutual distrust and add to the possibility of unwanted military conflicts. It is also against the consensus reached by the two sides' foreign ministers to cool down the situation in the Galwan Valley.

We would like to warn India's feverish nationalists not to lead New Delhi down the wrong path, and not allow India to repeat past mistakes. 

Significantly, the editorial emphasizes the PLA's superior firepower and that if tested it will respond with overwhelming force.

"We would like to tell PLA soldiers stationed at the China-India border that they must be extra careful when fulfilling their duties, and to be well prepared for war."

 

 The editorial concludes with the following deeply alarming statement: "We also urge the PLA to prepare for the worst-case scenario. If the Indian army launches a border war, it must be taught a good lesson."

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