China can turn Atal tunnel 'unserviceable', says Global Times

An article published in the Chinese State-run Global Times, China made a veiled threat that it could render the recently inaugurated Atal tunnel, Rohtang unserviceable during wartime.

Hyderabad: An article published by Global Times, the state-run-media outlet of China on October 4 said the Atal tunnel will have only limited benefit during wartime since China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) "has the means" to turn it "unserviceable."

Inaugurating the tunnel, prime minister Modi had said that the Atal tunnel would give a "new strength" to the country's border infrastructure. The article admits that the Atal tunnel is of "clear strategic significance to India" as it is a "combat readiness tunnel and strategic channel." However, further, the author of the article attempted to undermine the defence capabilities of Indian troops, saying that the tunnel would be of use to India only during peacetime.

"...it has no benefit in wartime, especially if a military conflict breaks out. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has means to make this tunnel unserviceable," says the author of the article who according to Global Times is a "Chinese military expert and commentator." In words dressed as rhetoric, the author goes onto say that it is better for India and China to coexist peacefully.

Though there are ongoing bilateral efforts at diplomatic and military levels to ensure peace and status quo along the border, the Global Times article indirectly expresses complete disregard for the process and indulges in empty talk in the subsequent paragraphs of the article.

"India should restrain itself and refrain from provocation as no passage exist that can enhance India's combat capability. After all, there is a certain gap in combat effectiveness between China and India, especially in terms of India's systematic combat capability. India is far from reaching China's level," it says.

Later in the article, the author acknowledges the Indian government's determination to develop the border road infrastructure and strengthen military presence. India's Border Road Organisation (BRO) inching closer to completion of construction 255-km-long Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road which is of great strategic significance to India. The article adds that India has identified "73 strategic along the India-China border roads that it will continue to build through the upcoming winter months."

However, it also takes a jibe at India's increased spending on road infrastructure, calling it a measure to counterbalance China.

"From the perspective of the Modi government, their determination to strengthen military presence along India-China border is an established fact...It is true that India is now ramping up its budget and spending on infrastructure, which is essentially an attempt to counterbalance China," says the article.

The article further added that India lacks the relevant technological edge and experience in the field, despite its increased budgetary spending and determination to develop border infrastructure.

"...however, India's infrastructure capacity is weak compared to China. In fact, the concept of building the above-mentioned 73 combat-ready roads was put forward more than 10 years ago, but the relevant plans to build the roads were not completed even now, indicating that India's infrastructure construction capacity is limited. What's more, it is difficult to build roads on the plateau and India lacks strong experience in such projects," the article says.

The article concludes by criticising the ruling BJP saying "its (Atal tunnel) construction is more for show and political purposes."