China has built up economic and military ties across the Indian Ocean. The region holds 40% of the world’s offshore oil and ...

That said, both sides would also fear the domestic political backlash of appearing weak. Under routine circumstances, China and India would seek diplomatic and economic means of retaliation.

Military clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020 have made China a part of India’s domestic political narrative in a way that’s never been seen before. Last week, when Prime Minister Narendra ...