The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India

by Vijay Gokhale

'Essential reading for all those interested in how India will deal with its greatest strategic challenge, an increasingly powerful China'-SHIVSHANKAR MENON

'Vijay Gokhale strips away the illusion that China ever shared convergent interests with India in Asia and globally. A disconcerting read, but indispensable.'-ASHLEY J. TELLIS

India's relations with the People's Republic of China have captured the popular imagination ever since the 1950s but have rarely merited a detailed understanding of the issues. Individual episodes tend to arouse lively debate, which often dissipates without a deeper exploration of the factors that shaped the outcomes. This book explores the dynamics of negotiation between the two countries, from the early years after Independence until the current times, through the prism of six historical and recent events in the India-China relationship. The purpose is to identify the strategy, tactics and tools that China employs in its diplomatic negotiations with India, and the learnings for India from its past dealings with China that may prove helpful in future negotiations with the country.

Genres: Politics, China, India, Nonfiction, History, International Relations, Asia

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2021

Reviews

[Aditya Kulkarni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crisp yet detailed, Vijay Gokhale has written another excellent book where China forms the core subject following his Tiananmen Square. Essentially the author covers the negotiations that took place between India and China in 1954, 1998, 2008-09, and the long saga related to the terrorist Masood Azhar from 2001 to 2019. As you read the book, you'll get to see how India faltered in 1954 when it went from a position of strength to that of weakness with vis-à-vis China with respect to the question of Tibet.

However, India learnt its lessons and outsmarted the Chinese in 1998, following the Pokhran nuclear tests. Subsequently, India has managed to see through the Chinese actions when it comes to diplomacy and has negotiated far better than what was the case back in 1954. However, the author based on his experience as a distinguished officer in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and as an expert on China provides some useful suggestions which can be picked up while negotiating with the Chinese.

India's greatest threat today comes from China and to understand the enemy, it is essential to understand how it functions. So, in this regard, this book is a good addition to understanding China from an Indian perspective.

[VSG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating short introduction to the history of Indo-Chinese diplomacy. Provides a good starting point for more in-depth research and learning.

[Ankur Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explains quite a lot behind the chinese way of negotiating in international relations.
An excellent read.
Looking forward to more such books from Shri Gokhale.

[Shikhar Amar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and to the point. Impressed by the authors style of writing. Would recommend it to anyone interested in India-China relations and how the Chinese negotiate. The book is filled with interesting tales, would leave the readers asking for more.

[Abhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summarising the book in the fewest words possible- Pakistan is a distraction, China is a threat.

[A K Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Book!

The book is so focussed on its title that it can be considered a tightly woven essay on that topic. Vijay Gokhale's vast experience as a diplomat specialising in China affairs come to the fore and I am looking forward to more books from him on the China subject.

Coming to the book contents, the last chapter basically gives the crux of the title and whatever the author wants to say on the topic. Within it, the sub-topic of 'Chinese players in negotiations' paints a picture of an Orwellian state where everything - civil or mililtary, media or sports or religion are dedicated towards furthering the interests of CCP and the vast array of bodies it employs to influence political parties, people and state of other countries as well.
Rest of the chapters in the book are on the major events employing India- China negotiations and how those negotiation tactics (as explained in last chapter) are employed by Chinese there. In a detailed manner, they also reveal the unfolding of the events from a diplomatic PoV and the way Indian diplomacy tackles (successfully or otherwise) these tactics.

As the author points out, China relations will define the foreign policy of India in this century and more books on the subject are the need of the hour.

[Abhishek Garg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book analyses different negotiations that took place between India and China post 1947. It provides a comprehensive background and provides the thinking at both sides.
It gives a great view on hits and misses from either perspective and how India as a young nation learnt painful lessons early on, compared to China, which had experienced negotiators as a nation with independent foreign policy.

[Dhaval Pandya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely important read to understand the Chinese psyche when it comes to negotiating and what do they mean by their various shenanigans. It was very painful to read how Zhou Enlai ran rings around Nehru and took Tibet with so much ease, drew India into false sense of security and then waged the war. I've never seen such moronic deference, but it's very well in line with Indian mentality of seeking external validation.

[Siddarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book shattered my initial idea that India and China share a civilizational connection and probably this could be a factor that brings the two powers together in the 21st century.
The Long game takes us along a journey in a chronological manner, speaking about the strategies employed by both India and China in handling negotiations.
The study of this book is essential for us to gather an understanding of how China works and also China's involvement in domestic politics in India.

[Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the recommended book for those who want to read the Chinese minds and their tactics used.

[Mayank Dixit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended to those who have interest in diplomatic relations between India and China.

[Siddharrth Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is India’s misfortune to neighbour its boundaries with China and Pakistan, both of whom have not let an opportunity go off their hands to downplay India. In particular the Indo-Sino relationship has always been one that of a ‘saas-bahu’, who never seem to be on the same page.

India has had its share of problems with China regarding Tibet, Sikkim, Kashmir and a plethora of other ongoing issues. Various governments in power have had their bitter-sweet experience in dealing with this red Dragon, who is extremely unpredictable and can go to any lengths to outdo India and it’s growing economy.

This is Mr. Vijay Gokhale’s second book after the brilliant writing on the Tiananmen Square riots and deals with how important foreign policy is with China. However said it would be interesting to see how internationally China is viewed post Covid and the recent insurgency in Afghanistan by the Talibans, who have the backing of the communist China. 📚

[Bindesh Dahal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives valuable insights into Chinese strategy and tactics in negotiation with other countries.

[Neel Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India
Author: Vijay Gokhale
Publisher: Vintage Books (2023)
Total Pages: 181
Reviewed By: Neel Preet

Vijay Gokhale's remarkable geo-political title, "The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India" offers a crucial and insightful examination of the complex dynamics between India and China, two of Asia's major powers. The book addresses a significant gap in the understanding of this critical relationship, moving beyond the often-superficial debates that arise from individual events. As noted by Shivshankar Menon, this book is described as 'essential reading' for anyone seeking to understand how India will navigate its relationship with an increasingly powerful China.

Interestingly, author Vijay Gokhale's work delves into the historical and contemporary interactions between the two nations, providing a detailed analysis of the strategies, tactics, and tools China employs in its diplomatic negotiations with India. Ashley J. Tellis highlights the book's importance, stating that Gokhale "strips away the illusion" of convergent interests between the two nations, presenting a "disconcerting but indispensable" perspective.

Furthermore, the book explores the nuances of India-China negotiations through the lens of six key historical and recent events. This approach allows Gokhale to move beyond a purely theoretical analysis, grounding his observations in concrete examples and providing a more nuanced understanding of the negotiating processes. By examining these specific instances, the author identifies recurring patterns and strategic approaches used by China, offering valuable lessons for India in its future dealings with its neighbour.

On top of that "The Long Game" is not merely a historical account; it is a strategic analysis aimed at equipping readers, particularly those involved in or studying Indian foreign policy, with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the intricate and often challenging relationship with China. Gokhale's expertise provides a framework for understanding China's long-term strategic objectives and its approach to diplomacy, making this book a vital resource for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in the geopolitical dynamics of Asia.

[Aaditya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author present a clear and unambiguous image of the animosity that has persisted in the relationship between the Republic of India and People's Republic of China the book clearly breaks the myth of any convergence between the two at any point of their existence in their present form, as per it the relationship has always been of treading every step with caution after the 50's.

The book covers the Indo-China relationship via 6 instances deriving conclusion from which it sets up the final chapter on how to deal with the Chinese.

The first two related chapter covers the late 40's early 50's in which the rather naive style of diplomacy is displayed by the Indian side (according to the author) exploiting which the Chinese manage to disarm india of all the leverage it had in negotiations, the inner workings of how India formulated its foreign policy which generally lacked wider consultation and generally formed in closed circles surrounding P.M. Nehru. Overly fixated on National and Personal image and to create a distinct identity than Britain and U.S. and to stay non-aligned from major powers which leads towards the strategic blunders of india.

All subsequent chapter display the rather cautious nature of india and her diplomats in reagards to china through which it manages to better negotiate, the horrors of 50's having being engrained in the minds of every diplomat this along with the American's desire to develop better relationships with India which catches the Chinese by surprise on India's nuclear weapons test and nuclear energy.

The author at last presents several tactics on how to deal with the Chinese, one of which is drawing a bottom line and being persistent on it the which yielded into the listing of Masood Azhar as international terrorist in UN, along with a more comprehensive discription of how the Chinese negotiate.

Reading it one can realise that the real challange for India isn't beyond the Radcliffe line but rather a more formidable one on the other side of the Himalayas, dealing with which would require her to significantl efforts and resilience.

[Pawan Dubey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, short read despite Mr. Gokhale's attempts to apply the Chinese tactic of repetition to wear down the reader at times.

I jest, but I do have one specific complaint. The book is presented as vignettes of tête à tête between India and China over the years. The first one describes a failure of Indian foreign policy and the rest describes successes. Mr. Gokhale allots all the successes to an ambiguous "foreign services" while the failure is almost entirely put at the feet of Nehru. This seems rather dishonest - perhaps the author is naturally protective of his fellow diplomats and didn't want to criticize them too much, but the failure in the 50s to correctly gauge China's duplicity was equally a fault of the Indian diplomats posted in China - where they maintained some presence throughout the PRC takeover. While he presents dissenting voices from officials posted within the country, it's difficult to not ascribe some of the blame to the Indian mission in China at the time in failing to properly inform the political class.

If you disregard this point, the book is a good read. The final chapter is a good briefing on how to handle Chinese interlocutors for budding diplomats and I'm sure it'll be widely read in those circles.

[Simple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book!

The book is unique in many ways. As significantly less has been written on India -china diplomatic relations, the book has detailed India china foreign relations in seven segregated chapters.
The book starts with a chapter on Tibet and how the Chinese fooled us by playing a game of patience and delayed deliberation and how immaturity cost us the advantage in Tibet we had. The next chapters are on Pokhran, Sikkim, the nuclear deal with the USA, the black listing of Masood Azhar, and the lessons India should learn. The chapter on Sikkim showed how India learned its lessons from Tibet and managed to get recognition from the world and followed by china after 30 years after Sikkim officially had acceded to India. The chapter on Masood Azhar was an eye-opener on Chinese tactics and how they delayed it for ten straight years, and even after that they didn't give up without omitting the words like the government of Pakistan, etc. The last chapter showcased light on the working of china and its eight tentacles, of which UFWD is the major one.

The book is briilait to understand how the negotiations work at the world level and the working of the foreign ministry.

[Randhir · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Author has taken six case studies and examined them in light of the diplomatic interaction between India and China. They start from the recognition of China and its occupation of Tibet. The nuclear standoff with China with regards the lifting of sanctions; the 123 Agreement is also covered. Finally, the designation of Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the UN and the effort of China to prevent it is covered in detail. The entire book is a primer on Chinese negotiating strategies. However, the last chapter is worth preserving as it highlights Chinese methodologies. The Author brings out how Indian naivety and ignorance in the beginning allowed China to run circles round India, thereafter as Indian expertise in diplomacy increased, China found it difficult to beat India in the cut and thrust of diplomacy. The book is invaluable for those who carry out negotiations with this enigmatic state. For laymen like us, while the strategies adopted are fascinating, one wished the Author had included relevant topics like the 1962 War and the LAC imbroglio. Worth reading

[Mohit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lucidly written manual on the Chinese strategy, when Chinese matters of international concerns are under negotiations with other nation states. The author uses 7 historical points of negotiations between India and China. He starts with the "ccp-led government's recognition" and the "tibet-issue". Though, the author may seem to be critical of Nehru, but in a way, all he is trying to convey is the unpreparedness of the Indian side in understanding the Chinese.

The book ends well, by proclaiming success while negotiating the 123, NSG and Azhar Mazhood's case. The author has had long held a position (in the interviews etc.) where he has stayed away from commenting on matters of recent history (e.g. doklam). It would be interesting to read the same book 15 years from now. The world order would be quite clear by then.

[Frederic Tsang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that talks about Chinese negotiation from the perspective of India. For me, the author takes a balanced view of the politics between India and China. There is one key negotiation between China and India for each chapter including mutual recognition of sovereignty, Tibet, Sikkim, nuclear weapons and so on. From the beginning of India China negotiations, the author explains that India were the losers because they did not have much diplomacy experience as they were colonised. After learning a few lessons on Tibet , India learned and now are better at it. The Chinese had a very systematic approach to negotiation which is explained in every chapter and to the end, lessons are listed for India to learn.

Overall , very interesting book to understand the above details and give insights about decision making at the highest level

[Varunkumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes Chinese diplomatic negotiating tactics through study of six major events since Indian independence and, in last chapter, provide a ready reckoner for negotiators facing china

As one reads how shoddily Indian diplomats conducted themselves against new, but shrewd, Chinese govt in 1949, one cannot but feel sad. India recognised the new government in China before anyone and gave up all privileges it enjoyed in Tibet without gaining anything. All of it just to build image of world leadership.

As one comes to the later chapters, one feels assured that at least such situation no longer exists. It is a joyful read for anyone interested in India China relations or the Chinese behaviour as it is.

[Soumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on Indo-China negotiations and strategic interactions!
As a student of international relations, I loved how accessible this book was. It was simple, clear and so much fun to read.
The book provides ample history of all major negotiations that have happened between India and China since the formation of the two states. Couple that with Gokhale's experience as a foreign service officer, the book makes it very hard to put it down!!
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Must read for all Indo-China policy and history enthusiasts! It is probably one of the most comprehensive and detailed book on modern geo-political negotiations.

[Aayushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has received Ramnath Goenka Award in Non-Fiction category in 2021 - and it is very clear why? The subject matter of Indo-China relationship and the importance of negotiations is vividly explained, in an easy to understand manner. The author has his own experience to support all the information and using his insights has done a good job in dissecting every move taken by China in the past. The lessons for India for any future talks with China are worth considering. A good geopolitical read.

[PIYUSH SRIVASTAVA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crisp detailed and informative account of how to deal with the next door adversary and not be swayed by their methods.
The change in their stance upon change in ours has also being written and documented well.
Using historical facts the author brings out the changing stance of China and how their requirement comes first, always.
Wise for any Indian citizen today as propaganda is on the rise and knowing where it comes from and whats is thought behind it is prudent before making a comment on India China and their relations.

[Purva Anand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is more enriching than a rendezvous with someone who has seen things first-hand.
The book is short, cuts straight to-the-point, and offers (literally) lessons for Indian diplomats and watchers.

But the real importance of it lies in the fact that it brings the public as close to the real deal as they'll usually get. The Chinese impact on our domestic politics or use of media/propaganda is something to take note of in the future.

[Manish Kumar Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is an indepth analysis of the way Chinese negotiate with the world specifically with India. The essence of it could be described in just a word i.e. the Chinese negotiators represent their party i.e. CCP as opposed to other nations wherein in they represent the countries itself. It explains very vividly the different tactics and strategies they adopt to get their demands met.

A must read for anyone interested in knowing the Chinese foreign policy approaches.

[Amit Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is a must must read for every Indian and anyone who is engaging with China on a diplomatic level. Though the context is set upon the historical India-China relations, the lessons regarding Chinese approach to negotiation is valuable for most of us. The book is a surprise find for me after I followed up a reference from "The India Way" by Dr. S. Jaishankar. It is well written and has a sharp focus on its title. It is worth a re-read every few years.

[Harisundar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diplomatic coaching manual is one word for this book by former diplomat Vijay Gokhale. He goes back from the early 50's to explain the behaviour, politics and diplomacy of the Chinese and how they have taken advantage of global politics to become a power they are today. Wolf warrior diplomacy is one to be understood by all Indians as we finally see the Chinese threat eye to eye. The growth of India and the Chinese expansionism is going to be the fight of the century.

[Divyanshu Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book divided in 6 chapters with a well elaborated part as Lessons For India. The Chinese negotiation tactics well explained and how these can be counteracted for the advantages of this nation. But this needs to be well evaluated and in advance....



A very good book , needs to be read by more and more people.

[Sanjay Banerjee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provides an insight into the way that the Chinese Govt negotiates with other countries (especially with India). By narrating the negotiation strategies and tactics deployed during 6 such negotiations with India, the author highlights the differences in the approaches of the two countries and the lessons for India.