The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate | Vijay Keshav Gokhale | In Depth Review

Vijay Gokhale spent nearly four decades in the Indian Foreign Service and retired as foreign secretary in January 2020. He worked on matters relating to China for the better part of his diplomatic career. His assignments in Hong Kong, Taipei and Beijing, between 1982 and 2017, and his postings in New Delhi at various levels, have given him insights into Chinese negotiating behaviour. 

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International Relations (IR) is a dynamic discipline that analyses the interactions between states, non-state actors, and international organisations on the global stage. “The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India" by Vijay Gokhale is an insightful book that explores the relationship between China and India. The author is a former diplomat and based of his experience in the India Foreign Services he provides a detailed analysis of how negotiations between these two countries work.

The book is divided into seven chapters, each addressing important moments and issues in the China-India relationship. From historical context to the importance of dialogue, Gokhale explores various factors that affect how China negotiates with India. The author’s approach to weaving together historical events, strategic considerations, and academic theories creates a holistic and multi-dimensional analysis.

‘The Long Game‘ presents a chronology of Indian relation with Chinese Government and the Communist Party of China. It has seven chapters which includes the following.

• How the newly formed Indian republic was in a hurry to recognise Chinese communists, who had toppled the previous nationalistic Government.

• How India lost its privileges over Tibet without gaining anything.

• How India was able to overcome Chinese plot to isolate it after Pokhran nuclear tests.

• How China delayed recognising the annexation of Sikkim and India persuaded them to agree.

• How India got access to nuclear energy sources by limiting Chinese tactics to keep India away.

• How China delayed and how India was able to get its approval to sanction Masood Azhar at the UN.

• And finally, the extract of author’s best practices.

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 regard 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 explains the implications of realist theory in international politics while discussing key issues like complex territorial disputes, demonstrating how power dynamics and strategic interests influence China's negotiation strategies. Further the author taking the politics from the constructivist point of view explains the role of national identity and cultural factors in shaping state behaviour for which the author uses the case study of border issue in Sikkim. He presents the Sikkim border issue as an illustrative example, demonstrating how historical narratives and linguistic complexities influence negotiations.

The author takes on the key milestones in the China-India relationship, such as India's Pokhran nuclear tests and the Indo-US nuclear deal (the 123 Agreement). Gokhale employs these instances to explain important concepts like the security dilemma and strategic hedging. These concepts explain how actions taken for self-defence may  escalate tensions with neighbouring countries, shaping the negotiation landscape between China and India.

Looking at IR from the liberal point of view Gokhale tries to explain the significance of institutionalised dialogue mechanisms in international relations. His exploration of bilateral summits and forums underscores the importance of open channels of communication and structured platforms for conflict resolution. This emphasis on institutional frameworks is a valuable lesson for policymakers seeking to manage complex diplomatic relationships effectively.

Throughout the chapters, Gokhale presents historical turning points in the Sino-Indian relationship, where academic concepts come to life. For instance, the discussion on India's nuclear tests and the Indo-US nuclear deal exemplifies the security dilemma and strategic hedging, concepts that are central to the field of international relations.

One of the book's standout chapters revolves around China's stance on the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council. Gokhale's analysis of China's adherence to the principle of consensus sheds light on the intricate dynamics of international decision-making and showcases the complexities of consensus-building in a multi-polar world. The examination of China's use of the principle of consensus in the UN Security Council highlights the intricacies of multilateral diplomacy and decision-making processes. This analysis provides readers with an understanding of the challenges faced by states in building consensus within international institutions.

In the final chapter, Gokhale offers invaluable insights and lessons for India based on the preceding analyses. By emphasising the significance of a long-term vision and strategic planning in negotiations with China, the book provides practical guidance for India's future diplomatic endeavours.

"The Long Game" succeeds in breaking down complex diplomatic concepts into accessible and relatable narratives, making it an engaging read for individuals with varied backgrounds. Gokhale's firsthand experiences as a seasoned diplomat add credibility and authenticity to the book, further enhancing its value as a practical guide for those involved in international diplomacy.

Chapter 1: Recognition

Key Principles: The principle of mutual recognition between nations is highlighted as a fundamental aspect of diplomacy. Gokhale discusses how the recognition of each other's sovereignty influences the tone and direction of negotiations between China and India. This chapter touches upon the constructivist concept of identity and how the perception of state identities plays a role in shaping diplomatic interactions.

Chapter 2: Tibet: The Price of Friendship

Key Principles: The chapter explores the concept of strategic interests and how China's control over Tibet impacts its negotiation strategies with India. It emphasises the notion that territorial disputes can significantly influence bilateral relations. The chapter discusses the realist theory of international relations, emphasising the importance of national interest and territorial considerations in shaping state behaviour.

Chapter 3: Pokhran: How to Untie a Knot from the Tiger’s Neck

Key Principles: The Pokhran nuclear tests by India are discussed as a demonstration of India's strategic capabilities and how it affected China's perceptions and negotiation strategies. The chapter emphasises the idea of security dilemma and the impact of nuclear deterrence on regional dynamics. The chapter touches upon the security dilemma, a key concept in realism, which refers to actions taken by states to increase their security that may inadvertently lead to increased tensions and insecurity for other states.

Chapter 4: Sikkim: Half a Linguistic Pirouette

Key Principles: The chapter explores how historical and linguistic factors influenced negotiations on the Sikkim border issue. It emphasises the significance of territorial disputes and cultural identity in shaping state interactions. The chapter relates to the concept of national identity and territorial claims, which are central to constructivist theory in international relations.

Chapter 5: 123 Deal: The Big Turnabout

Key Principles: The landmark Indo-US nuclear deal and its impact on India-China relations are discussed, highlighting how such agreements can influence negotiation dynamics. The chapter also emphasises the concept of strategic hedging, where states engage in balancing actions to manage competing interests with different partners. This chapter relates to the liberal theory's emphasis on cooperation and multilateral agreements in shaping international relations.

Chapter 6: Masood Azhar: The Principle of Consensus

Key Principles: The issue of Masood Azhar's designation as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council is analysed in this chapter. It illustrates how China's use of the principle of consensus affects negotiation outcomes and showcases the significance of unanimity in international decision-making. The chapter touches upon the concept of international institutions and decision-making processes, where consensus-building plays a vital role.

Chapter 7: Lessons for India

Key Principles: The final chapter draws important lessons for India based on the preceding analyses. It emphasises the significance of long-term vision and strategic planning in negotiations with China. This chapter relates to the realist and liberal theories, which stress the importance of national interests and long-term strategies in international relations.

Throughout the book, Vijay Gokhale incorporates key principles of international diplomacy, such as recognition, strategic interests, security dilemmas, territorial disputes, national identity, cooperation, strategic hedging, and consensus-building. The academic concepts of international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and the role of international institutions, are woven into the analysis, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Sino-Indian diplomacy.

Writer: Vivek Mehra,

MA Politics & International Relations, Pondicherry University

Vivek Mehra is currently pursuing his Masters in Politics at Pondicherry University. With a passion for writing, he brings his unique perspective and expertise to the blog. Explore more of his work and insights.