Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “On China using Sporting Events to score Geo-political Points” on India China relationship which was published in The Hindu. Recently, the day before the opening of the 19th edition of Asian Games in China, the Indian Union Sports Minister canceled his visit.
• The step is taken as a mark of protest to the last-minute denial of entry to three Indian Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh.

China’s Visa Controversies: Impact on Athletes and Diplomacy & India China Relation

• Stapled Visa: China has in the past issued stapled visas to Indians from Arunachal Pradesh.
  • In July, in the World University Games in Chengdu, stapled visas were issued to three Arunachal wushu athletes.
• Commander as Torchbearer for Winter Olympics: In February last year, Beijing ill-advisedly selected the People’s Liberation Army’s commander involved in the Galwan Valley clash between India China as one of the torchbearers for the Winter Olympics.
• Restriction on Travel: In this instance, the decision to bar the athletes appears particularly vengeful as visas were not needed to travel for athletes issued digital accreditations.

Expectations & Bitter Realities between India China:

• Expectation of Asian Solidarity: The Asian Games are expected to showcase a broader message of Asian solidarity.
• Bitter Realities and impact on India China relation:
  • Not Strict actions by Organizers against China: Organizers don’t take it as utmost important due to China’s status as both a willing host and strong financial backer of such events.
  • Supporting by deviating the Statement: The acting President of the Olympic Council of Asia remarks to journalists chose not to call out the denial of entry to athletes, instead only saying the matter was being discussed.
  • Rising Distrust: Beyond the Asian Games, the latest Chinese action serves as a reminder of the current distrust in bilateral relations, as well as of the absence of adequate channels of communication to deal with long-persisting issues.

Conclusion – India China Relations: Emphasizing Disengagement and Peace Along the Border

• The Ministry of External Affairs described this action as “targeted and pre-meditated” and officials believe that China went out of its way to bar their travel by instructing the airline to not allow them to board.
• India has made clear that restoring normalcy in relations will not be possible without completing the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control and restoring peace in border areas.