The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India

The Long Game examines the history and patterns of negotiations between China and India from the 1950s to the present. Through detailed analysis of key diplomatic episodes, former Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale reveals China's strategic approach to dealing with India. Drawing from his four decades of diplomatic experience, including postings in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, Gokhale provides an insider's perspective on Chinese negotiating tactics. The book focuses on several critical moments in Sino-Indian relations, including border disputes, trade agreements, and regional security issues. Based on extensive research and firsthand diplomatic experience, the text analyzes how Chinese negotiators employ specific cultural and political frameworks when engaging with Indian counterparts. The coverage spans both historical negotiations and contemporary diplomatic challenges between the two Asian powers. The work adds to the understanding of how cultural perspectives and national interests shape diplomatic engagement, while offering insights into the complex dynamics between two of Asia's largest nations. Through this lens, patterns emerge that illuminate broader themes in international relations and negotiation strategy.

Readers value the book's insider perspective from Gokhale's diplomatic career and his analysis of Chinese negotiation tactics with India. Many reviewers highlight the detailed case studies, particularly the sections on border disputes and Tibet policy. Likes: - Clear writing style accessible to non-experts - Evidence-based approach using historical documents - Practical insights for policymakers and diplomats Dislikes: - Some sections repeat information from earlier chapters - Limited coverage of post-2020 developments - Could include more comparative analysis with other nations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (82 ratings) Amazon India: 4.6/5 (341 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Provides crucial context for understanding current India-China relations" - Amazon reviewer "The chapter on Tibet negotiations is worth the price alone" - Goodreads review "Would have benefited from more recent examples" - Diplomat Magazine review

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🔹 Vijay Gokhale served as India's Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to China, giving him unique firsthand experience in Indo-Chinese negotiations spanning several decades. 🔹 The book reveals how China deliberately delayed border negotiations with India in the 1980s to focus on developing its economy and military capabilities first. 🔹 Chinese negotiators consistently use Sun Tzu's principles from "The Art of War" in modern diplomatic engagements, including the strategy of wearing down opponents through prolonged talks. 🔹 The author dissects China's negotiation pattern of creating multiple points of friction with India, then offering to resolve one issue while keeping others active as diplomatic leverage. 🔹 During the 2017 Doklam crisis between India and China, which the book analyzes in detail, Chinese negotiators used a combination of diplomatic threats, media warfare, and psychological operations against India.