While the US focuses on domestic issues, authoritarian regimes like China are emboldened on the world stage. This week, China’s attempt to unilaterally redraw the map on India’s border is a stark reminder of the dangers of appeasement.
The latest flashpoint: Arunachal Pradesh, a strategically important Indian state that China claims as part of its territory. In a move reminiscent of Trump’s attempts to delegitimize US elections, China recently renamed 30 locations in the region. This follows similar actions in 2023 and a deadly border clash in 2020.
India’s strong response, calling the move “senseless” and reiterating Arunachal Pradesh’s status as an integral part of the nation, is a welcome sign. But it raises a crucial question: will the US, a long-standing Indian ally, stand firm against Chinese aggression?
The US has historically supported India’s territorial claims. But under the previous administration, America’s commitment to its allies wavered. The “America First” doctrine prioritized transactional relationships, undermining the very alliances that have underpinned global security for decades.
Let’s be clear: Chinese expansionism isn’t just an Indian problem. A weakened India creates a strategic vacuum in Asia, emboldening China’s assertiveness not just on land, but also in the South China Sea and beyond. This directly challenges US interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The current US administration has pledged to revitalize alliances. The strong US statement in support of India’s territorial integrity is a positive step. But words must be followed by action. The US must demonstrate its commitment to a rules-based international order where countries cannot simply bully their way to territorial gains.
This isn’t just about defending a distant border. It’s about upholding principles that have ensured global stability for decades. The world is watching to see if the US will return to its role as a champion of democracy and the defender of its allies against authoritarian aggression.
