Part 10/11:
Conclusion: The Stakes Are Rising
The Shanghai airport incident is just one example of China’s ongoing efforts to assert control over Arunachal Pradesh, and its broader strategy to undermine Indian sovereignty through diplomatic, military, and symbolic means. As both nations accelerate border infrastructure projects and form regional alliances, the risk of escalation remains high.
If India and its allies, notably Japan, intensify cooperation, they can push back against China’s lines of fake control. However, China’s persistent tactics—land reclamation, infrastructure development, and diplomatic pressure—mean that the region remains a flashpoint.