The Dragon’s Bite: Strategic Continuum and Chinese PLA’S Evolving Fire and Teeth
Major General Rajiv Narayanan
President XI Jinping’s elevation as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is often characterised especially, in the United States (US) and Europe, for his aggressive style and the narrative of being the sole leader responsible for China’s unprecedented rise. This notion is often hyped, because there has been a strategic continuum since the time of erstwhile President Deng Xiao Ping, who laid the foundation, to be followed by subsequent leaders. This book is based on the hypothesis that there is a strategic continuum to the ‘Grand Strategy’ of China, through the writings of Dr Sun Yat Sen and Deng Xiao Ping. The essence of the strategy is narrated by giving the simile of a dragon, just as the dragon never bites first but destroys its prey by fire and then, gorges the remnants. Similarly, the CPC first weakens/destroys her targets internally, before taking them in their fold. This strategy is evident in the political and geoeconomic squeeze of target countries by China through the destruction of their Comprehensive National Power (CNP), thus, achieving the goals through what Sun Tzu called ‘Win without Fighting’. Chinese believe that the ‘Grand Strategy’ leads to ‘Military Strategy’ and which in turn results in the concomitant tasking of the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA). This necessitates capability development of PLA, hence, there is a process of modernisation, reorganisation, and restructuring. Thus, this book tries to analyse all aspects of the PLA including, its evolution, current status and likely future trajectory.
The book has three parts with nine chapters. The first part delves on the evolution of China’s military, its strategy and PLA’s doctrines. The first chapter of Part I narrates the trajectory of the evolution of the PLA, from its early years as a ‘Rag-Tag Militia’, to the current modernised sword arm of the CPC. The historical rise of the Red Army under Mao Zedong and the quote ‘Political power grows out of the barrel of the gun’ highlights the role of the military ‘To chiefly serve the political end’, which is pertinent even today. Post-World War II the Red Army was renamed as the PLA and the author then gives a historical narration of PLA under Mao’s era. The second chapter deals with the consolidation of the strategies, highlighting the strategic continuum from Dr Sun Yat Sen to Hu Jintao. This chapter highlights the Chinese concept of CNP with its four pillars namely, economy, diplomacy, military, and finally the human index being the most important. Further, these were divided into subsystems namely ‘Hard power, soft power, coordinated and environmental indexes’. Other significant concepts like ‘Mandate from Heaven’, the defining of ‘Middle Kingdom’ into five geographical zones, and the Chinese ‘Shadow Institutions’ are an interesting read giving a peep into the Chinese mindset. The third chapter in this part deals with the evolving PLA doctrinal and strategic precepts and modernisation trends. This chapter highlights some important concepts like the various phases of the ‘War Zone Campaign’ (WZC), the five pillars on which the WZC doctrine rests. namely, uninterrupted buildup of troops, long range vectors [missiles, rockets, Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) etc.], Anti-Access Area Denial to gain tactical and operational superiority, maritime and aerospace domination, and unrestricted warfare. It further delves into phases of China’s ‘Offshore Defence/Far Seas’ naval strategy, the evolution of doctrine and strategy of PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and China’s Second Artillery Corps, the current PLA Rocket Force. The author also highlights the ‘Three Warfare’ and the ‘Psychological Operations’ through a systematic buildup of narratives by utilising the psychological, media and legal aspects. This chapter also brings out the ‘Six Combat Concepts’ where significant focus is given on the long-range vectors and the unmanned aerial systems, the aspect of militarisation of space, kinetic information warfare, as also cyber warfare. China is known for its revolution in military technology hence the author has also delved into the domain of direct energy weapon and artificial intelligence and robotics.
The second part delves in detail about China’s grand strategy, the military’s reorganization and restructuring of combat arms and combat and service support structures. Chapter 4 of Part II describes the ‘Grand Strategy and PLA Under Xi’s Era’. Chinese scholars have often spoken about overcoming 100 years of humiliation alluding to ‘Opium War’ and the subjugation during the Japanese war. The main theme of XI’s strategy is to reestablish the ‘Middle Kingdom’. According to the author the current push is to establish a ‘Unipolar Asia’ under China and have a ‘China Dream’ and the great rejuvenation of the nation. As China’s CNP has risen so also its core interest have expanded and the role of PLA extended. China’s White Paper from 2015 to 2019 amply highlight this aspect, as also the changes in China’s military aspirations. Hence, Chapter Five appropriately highlights the ‘PLA Reorganisation and Restructuring of Combat Arms’. The chapter starts with the reorganisation of the decision-making wing, the structural reforms of Central Military Commission (CMC). The changes include the creation of four General Departments and the four Headquarters. The chapter also highlights the structure of Army level units of PLA, the PLA Ground Force, and People’s Armed Police (PAP). Further, China is not only a leading naval power but is also a leading global maritime power. It is the largest ship builder in the world and spends billions in expanding and acquiring ports. Hence, this chapter amply highlights the Chinese naval assets. PLA Navy’s aim through 2035 is to have six aircraft, expand nuclear submarines, create maritime corps, etc. The chapter also describes the role of China’s Coast Guard which is often referred to as the second navy as also the role of Maritime Police Contingent of PAP and People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia. the latter, being the third navy and the first line of defence for claiming shoals and islands in Western Pacific Ocean and the primary arm for China’s ‘Grey Zone’ maritime operations. This chapter ends with highlighting the changes in PLAAF. The structural changes as also the thrust towards developing 4th Generation Plus aircraft and working towards 5th Generation Stealth Fighters. Focus on developing UCAVs, airborne warning and control systems, hypersonic glide vehicles, air defence systems etc. The sixth chapter deals with the ‘PLA Restructuring of Combat and Service Support Structures’. This chapter discusses the PLA Rocket Force. China’s ‘No First Use’ nuclear doctrine, and the conditions for lowering of nuclear coercion under four eventualities, its credible minimum deterrence theory, the counter strike posture and finally the survivability of China’s nuclear force. It delves on modernisation of the Rocket Force as also describes the structure of its base. It further explains in detail China’s Strategic Support Force including China’s Network Systems Department. These two are often referred as ‘Information Umbrella’ for the PLA. The chapter ends with a brief account of China’s Joint Command and Control and Logistics Centre and the key drivers for the reorganisation, reflecting the desire to strengthen the PLA ‘s integrating Joint Operational Capabilities.
The last part of the book deals with ‘PLA’s Likely Trajectories, Way Ahead for India, US and the Rest’, and the Conclusion. Chapter seven deals with ‘Future Trajectory of China’. The author feels that PLA still has a long way to go, and its capabilities are overstated. Though China has made progress in modernisation and capability development but it’s still a work in progress. Some of the Chinese aims highlighted consist of, developing continental, maritime and aerospace superiority/dominance, degrade aerospace defence assets of neighbouring countries, persistent situational awareness, disrupt information and decision-making process of others etc. Thus, it aims to follow the path of dragon whereby it wants to control certain nations by weakening the CNP of the target countries with asymmetric means like unrestricted warfare and belt and road initiative. But according to the author this strategy will work only with weak nations and will fail against strong contemporaries. This is mainly due to certain shortcomings visible, like having conscription and contractual soldiers, centralised autocratic control of PLA where Service Chiefs no longer find space in CMC, may lead to errors in strategic decision making, slow pace of modernisation of weapons and equipment, information regarding operational logistics system that would follow up to and within tactical battle area is vague, etc. Finally, the author crystal gazes and predicts certain trajectories for all the four services. The penultimate chapter deals with ‘Way Ahead for India’, where the aim for China is to curb India’s rise. He describes various stages of conflict and some interesting scenarios. He also recommends a multi-domain strategy and a concerted push for self-reliance under the banner of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). He also discussed Indian security architecture and integrated military warfare and integrated force structure. In the last chapter, ‘Way Ahead for US and Rest’ author highlights China’s global perspective and a three-way option for US, West and Russia to address the Chinese challenge.
In conclusion, the book is a repository of information, starting from history, strategy, doctrine to force structure. It is helpful to both military scholars and academicians, as well as students, due to its wide coverage of subject- from PLA’s force structure to the modernisation trends, as also the future trajectories. The relevant information is given in a concise and lucid manner. The systematic analysis through charts and tables is visually appealing. The clarity of thought is apparent due to the author’s knowledge on the subject. The chapter on ‘Way Ahead for India’ will specially help Indian scholars and policy makers in charting a proactive strategy, for bridging the gap between the two countries. The book, thus, is an essential read for all those scholars who would like to understand and watch China.
Dr Roshan Khanijo
The Dragon’s Bite: Strategic Continuum and Chinese PLA’S Evolving Fire and Teeth by Major General Rajiv Narayanan; Lancer Publisher and Distributor, 2023; Page 226; Price Rs 995/; ISBN -10:81-7062-347-2
Journal of the United Service Institution of India, Vol. CLIV, No. 635, January-March 2024.
Review Article 2
camouflaged: Forgotten Stories
from Battlefields
Probal Dasgupta
Introduction
Probal Dasgupta’s first book was Watershed 1967: India’s Forgotten Victory Over China gave rare granularity into the clashes that were central to India regaining control of strategically significant border areas in Sikkim, his latest offering ‘Camouflaged’ is another masterpiece in which he has now brought to the fore ten forgotten stories from battlefields in which Indian soldiers have proved themselves across the globe and across times.
The expanse of the book is vast as the stories which span over a century from World War I to the 26/11 terrorist strike in Mumbai. From the ground to the air, battlefields far and near, dense jungles to desolate mountains and to densely populated urban areas, the setting of each tale varies but what stands out is the character of these ordinary men who delivered extraordinary results when confronted with extreme challenges. The book also gives a rare insight into the unique camaraderie and ethos of units and family traditions of military service and more importantly covers an aspect that is not written about often, the trauma faced by their families.
About The Book
The book comprises of three parts with 10 chapters. Part I begins with the memoirs of World War I. Arthur Conan Doyle bowling off-spin in Eastbourne to a stylish turbaned Indian batsman is an unusual way to start a story about war and glory. From the grassy fields of England to the skies above France and air combat ‘Sultans of the Skies’ is an incredible story in many ways. Hardit Malik, who was studying in Oxford when the First World War broke out, was rejected by the British Air Force. He went on to be an ambulance driver in France and applied for the French Air Force, who accepted him. His tutor in Oxford then shot off a letter to General Henderson the head of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and soon he joined the RFC and was even given a ‘Special helmet to fit over his turban’. He went on to join 28th Squadron and ‘Determined to stamp his country’s presence in the war despite officially representing Britain’, had India painted on the side of his aircraft. He became an ace pilot but ended the war with a bullet lodged in his thigh while engaging in an air duel with Paul Strahle, a legendary German pilot. He later went on to become India’s Ambassador to Canada and France.
Laddie Roy the other pilot covered in this story also came from a privileged background and did his schooling in England, lying about his age when he joined the RFC, he was told he had to ‘Survive and Fight and then Survive Again’. He did survive his first crash and after he recuperated, he ‘Persuaded the medics to pass him fit for flying duties’. He became a ‘War Veteran and Teen Sensation’ and took down nine German planes between 09 and 19 Jul 1918. Unfortunately, on 22 Jul 1918, the prodigy was shot down in a skirmish, but this was after taking down two German aircraft. He was a trailblazer in combat while flying in India and in 1998 a stamp was released in his honour.
‘Message in a Battle’ is the story of Gobind Singh of 2nd LANCERS, a renowned Cavalry Regiment, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917. Belonging to Damoi in Nagaur District of Rajasthan, he was fearless. This was the battle where tanks were introduced on the battlefield for the first time but after they had achieved the breakthrough, additional troops in the form of Infantry and Cavalry were required to follow on and capture the ground. Indian soldiers of the Regiment with lances had charged ferociously at German Machine Guns; ‘Raw courage against steel’. Though they had been successful they were soon surrounded by Germans and an urgent message needed to be sent to the Brigade Headquarters. Sowar Jot Ram and Lance Daffadar Gobind Singh volunteered. Losing his horse, dodging bullets, and feigning death he displayed unshakeable composure and resilience, he repeated this feat thrice and this act of ‘conspicuous bravery’ thwarted a major enemy breakthrough and was awarded the Victoria Cross. His son and grandson went on to serve in Second Lancers.
The story of Chanan Singh Dhillon; ‘Three Lives in War’; can be summed up in the words; ‘believe it or not’. A farmer’s son from Punjab who was keen to join the Army he fell short of English proficiency to join as an officer. Nevertheless, he joined as a soldier and set off to fight World War II with his Engineer Regiment initially in Basra, Iraq and later in North Africa where he became a Prisoner of War (PoW). This was in Jun 1942 a week before he was to return to India as he had been selected as an officer. Facing an Italian execution squad for complaining against the inhuman work conditions, he was saved by the Germans. While being transported to a PoW Camp in Italy their ship was hit by a British submarine ironically killing many British prisoners. He survived the boiling waters as SS Loretto went down in the Tyrrhenian Sea by clinging to a plank of wood. Later, while in Stalag 12, a PoW camp in Limburg Germany he was nearly killed by an allied air attack. He returned and became an officer and his children then helped put together the story of his remarkable ordeal based on his diary and letters which were written in Punjabi. Ironically, it all started the day he received the letter offering him the opportunity of his dreams.
The second part of the book recounts the tales of soldiers whose deeds in safeguarding India’s borders showcased the intense pride of a nascent, sovereign nation. The legendary tale of Colonel Chhewang Rinchen has been recounted in great detail bringing the enormity of his valour, the strength of his character and the adversity of the terrain and weather conditions where he fought. He has participated in all of India’s Wars and been recognised for his extraordinary bravery and leadership having been awarded the Maha Vir Chakra twice. In 1971, he was instrumental in capturing a portion of Baltistan which resulted in the shifting of the line of Control. The villagers in this area though Muslims, had reminisced about life before Pakistani occupation in 1948 and felt a greater kinship with their Ladakhi brethren. ‘Today the legend of Stak lives on undefeated’.
‘The Rise and fall of 1962’ is the story of Haripal Kaushik who fought the Chinese in Tongpen La, leading his subunit of 1 SIKH in resolute defence applying his tactical acumen on the battlefield in Oct 1962. He was fortunate to breakthrough the Chinese onslaught and returned weeks later absolutely bedraggled. He was shattered both physically and psychologically but fought back due to the faith of his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Karnail Singh Sidhu, and amazingly went on to play in the Olympics again winning his second Gold Medal in Hockey. A Vir Chakra for his ‘Remarkable Bravery’ and Arjuna Awardee Colonel Haripal Kaushik, known for his speed and stickwork, was indeed an extraordinary human being.
‘Top Guns of Boyra’ is an extraordinary narration which brings out the character of young men, the spirit of a unit and a sense of achievement as well as ethical soldiers’ conduct on the battlefield. Flying Officers Don Lazurus, Ganapathy, Soares and Massey of 22 Squadron flying Gnats were successful in destroying two Pakistani Sabres over Garibpur in Nov 1971. They displayed extraordinary flying skills and became legends ‘Before they touched down’. One of the Pakistani pilots was Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi who was captured by 4 SIKH and saved from being beaten up by their Adjutant Captain (later Lieutenant General) HS Panag. Qureshi, a contemporary of General Musharraf went on to become the Pakistani Air Chief, had advised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against using air power during the Kargil war as it would have led to retaliatory escalatory measures. Many years later Don Lazurus, then settled in Coonoor, received a reply to his congratulatory letter to Qureshi in which he complimented him for the fight in Boyra.
Part III of the book covers the ‘Modern Era’- the Kargil War, insurgency and terrorism. Complex modern-day issues. Some stories are still classified in the sense that the names of the people cannot be revealed but their actions and reactions are fact and not fiction. How do you deal with a militant who admits he has been led astray, wants to make amends and is willing to help you? How do families support each other in times of crisis knowing fully well that their husbands could be the next victims?
‘The Warriors Code of Courage’ brings out the spirit, training and ethos of 21 Special Forces and the manner in which they operate. There are two actions of one of their Teams which have been covered one in Assam and the other in Jammu and Kashmir. The manner in which an encounter takes place and the interpersonal relations within the team, which is one of the closest relationships with a buddy willingly sacrificing his life for his colleague, brings out the character of these men where despite being seriously wounded their thoughts lie only on successfully completing their mission. The undaunted courage of Maj Deepinder Singh Sengar who suffered serious bullet injuries in both operations and his colleague Saurabh Singh Shekawat who evacuated him both times and is one of the most highly decorated officers, reflects the rare bonding and loyalty and fills one with pride.
Conclusion
The dilemmas men face in battling these insurgencies, the effect of intense operations on soldiers, society and people living in insurgency prone areas as well as on the families of those combating it are vividly covered. There is no doubt that we need to preserve the perspectives of the protagonists so that they do not get obliterated by the passage of time. Books like this need to be read as they not only serve as an inspiration for the future generations but also build a sense of patriotism and pride in our Armed Forces.
Tales of soldiers, their courage and commitment are inspiring to say the least. Military heroism displayed in the face of extreme adversity wherein individuals take life threatening actions to uphold the honour of their units and the nation totally disregarding their own safety are rare acts of bravery, dedication, and commitment whose tale needs to be told to a wider audience. People need to be made aware of the sacrifices they and their families have made for the nation.
While the legacy of these brave men is well recorded in their units and by their families, but the candid and intuitive way Probal has weaved these tales by infusing life into them needs to be admired. It is truly a book that is difficult to put down. Probal’s gripping narrative brilliantly matched by his eloquent prose while revealing what was hidden under ‘Camouflage’ needs to be admired.
Major General Jagatbir Singh, VSM (Retd)
Camouflaged: Forgotten Stories from Battlefields. Author: Probal DasGupta. Edition: 2023. Media: Paper Back. ISBN: 9789353453459. JBA Book Code: 274730; Price ¹ 699.00
Journal of the United Service Institution of India, Vol. CLIV, No. 635, January-March 2024.
The Legacy of Shivaji The Great - Military Strategist, Naval Supremacy and the Maratha Empire, By Colonel Anil Athale; (Mumbai: Indus Source Books, 2023); Pages: 266; Price 599/-; ISBN: 978-93-85509-69-8.
The area of research for this book began under the General Palit Military History fellowship of the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. The question posed by late General Palit, a military historian himself, was “Why did the Marathas, who fought the Mughals so valiantly, succumb to the British so tamely? Or is it that the true history of that struggle has been suppressed by the British?”
This book, in addition to exploring the Maratha mystique, attempts to answer the question posed by the late General. Writings by Shivaji or the respective generals deftly woven from the author’s pen have shed light on a variety of events, plans, and tactical moves, as well as the leaders’ thought processes.
The painstaking investigation uncovers a story that the British deliberately ignored. It is admirable that the author is committed to revealing the obscure parts of Indian history, since it provides readers with a new understanding of the power struggles of that pivotal era. Because of Athale’s perceptive analysis and captivating storytelling, this book is essential reading for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the lesser-known but overlooked aspects of India’s past. One of the main arguments being made is the tendency of Indians to document and preserve our past ourselves rather than depending on foreigners for their records during their journeys.
The unwavering spirit of Shivaji and his goal of Indian self-rule, ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ (Indian Self-Rule), which constituted a serious challenge to British colonial ambitions, are shown vividly in the book. The author deftly examines the historico-political context, elucidating the intricacies of Maratha-British relations and the calculated manoeuvres that characterised this period.
The book is a testament to the author’s extraordinarily diligent efforts to comprehend Maratha militants and their methods of waging war. Reading about political strategy, battle tactics, and other significant notes and maps, yes, the author provided maps for each conflict, painstakingly compiling every last detail that occurred 600 years ago, paints incredibly detailed research and a vivid picture for the readers.
The author has weaved a fascinating tale from the end of the Mughal rule under Aurangzeb who had died an unsatisfied death due to the way Shivaji had played the Mughal forces and the Bijapur Sultan to emerge victorious. He has included various instances where Shivaji has used unusual tactics to emerge victorious and many-a-times played the long game. There have been comparisons made as to how the Maratha Empire was different in its views and conduct relating to wars and victories compared to the rest of the powers which existed at the time.
Alongside, the author has been critical of all sides and has tried to give a narrative which has covered both the wins and losses and not tried to leave anything out of the account as possible. The advent of the British had been through the major ports due to which they had majorly acted in the coastal regions. The Anglo-Maratha wars, the diplomacy attempts and all anti-British acts which took place with the Marathas along with all the struggles which they faced be it geographical or any other reason have been discussed in a manner which is engaging to everyone, whether a novice or not.
The author’s skill and perseverance is commendable for undertaking this enormous amount of study, as they connect the disjointed puzzle pieces discovered centuries after knowledge vanished due to calamities.
When practically everything was being destroyed by the Mughals in 1689, it was a difficult but exciting trip to bring history to life for readers of the new generation. Zulfiqar Khan’s conquest of Raigad, the Indian capital, on 19 Oct 1689, was a catastrophic day in Indian history. Historians believe that this crime is just as damaging as Bakhtiyar Khilji’s 1193 burning of Nalanda University and its library. This revelation generated a compelling reading atmosphere that will send shivers down the spine if the reader enjoy reading historical fiction or literary works about governance and administration.
The author skilfully combines storylines with historical details to provide readers a rich and immersive experience. The writer’s work gives a thorough summary of the political and social dynamics of the era, covering everything from the fall of the Mughal Empire to the British colonisation. The reader’s comprehension of the hardships and accomplishments of the Marathas is improved by this contextualisation.
Conclusion
‘The Legacy of Shivaji the Great’ by Colonel Anil Athale offers an engrossing exploration of a crucial era in Indian history that is frequently disregarded in popular accounts. The writer skilfully illuminates the little-known tale of the Maratha people’s resistance to British colonisation, illuminating the crucial role Shivaji and the Marathas played in determining India’s future. It is a critical analysis of the manner in which history is presented to future generations by historians particularly the British who moulded the history according to what suited their needs. And to the contemporary politics of the twentieth century which felt the need to legitimise the Mughal rule and then the Maratha politics which diminished his stature by framing him as a parochial Maratha figure. These three manners where the role of Shivaji was made to fit a mould which suited the needs of the three was one of the primary reason why the might of the Maratha Rule was diminished and further reduced it to a mere afterthought in the Indian history. The author has reached a fine hypothesis based upon his research which makes it a question as to why the history of our nation is taken in the manner which suits the needs, and not what was the reality. Shivaji’s style of waging war is a study in itself, as it had all the elements of modern warfare. And the Maratha Rule is probably one of the best examples of a democratic state and its application of the principles of democracy in mainland India post the advent of the Mughals and the Afghans.
Colonel Ravinder Kumar Sharma
Maritime Operational Law by UC Jha and Kishore Kumar Khera; (Vij Books, New Delhi, 2023); Paperback Book; Pages:205; Price:950; ISBN-13. 9788119438839
The volume on ‘Operational Maritime Law’ by UC Jha and Kishore Kumar Khera is a fine compilation of the existing international laws that regulate maritime matters. These include customary international law and some aspects of Indian national laws, which govern the conduct of maritime military operations. Written in language that can be understood by a layperson, it is thoughtfully chapterised so that specific aspects of maritime law can be referred to when required. The book is concise and gives adequate references to additional works/specific laws/rules/regulations to enable detailed perusal where necessary. It is very well edited and factually accurate.
In section 1, the first chapter, ‘Casting Off’, has a useful compilation of all existing laws and manuals that currently regulate the conduct of human activities on, over and under the oceans. It also contains a chronology of various international laws and treaties from which the modern laws and manuals have evolved. Section 2 comprises of four chapters which elaborates on some specific ‘Means and Methods’ of maritime warfare to enable the reader to interpret what actions these provisions entail in practical terms. Individual chapters on maritime blockade, mine warfare and submarine warfare are useful amplifications of existing laws, which will go a long way in enhancing the understanding of the readers on these specific aspects.
Section 3 has three chapters on ‘Contemporary Complexities’ is the most interesting portion of the book as it examines the emerging forms of maritime warfare through autonomous vessels, as also the modern form of piracy. This section adds to knowledge on new issues of maritime law that are emerging and would need to be codified in the future. This is an area where further study is required, especially by Indian professionals and researchers, in order to further evolve customary international law.
While the book largely re-states the existing laws and regulations governing the maritime space, its value to the reader lies in the fact that myriad laws and regulations are collected in one volume, which enables the reader to gain knowledge of the overview/history of the issue. The detailed footnotes and citations indicate detailed research by the authors and are useful for further reading and referral. The book is recommended for all maritime practitioners, particularly in the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. It is also useful for students of maritime law and related fields, as also researchers on the subject.
Vice Admiral (Dr) AK Chawla, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM (Retd)
CHINA: Courts, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure Law. By UC Jha; (Vij Books, New Delhi, 2023); Pages: 479; Price: Rs1850; ISBN: 978-81-19438-34-1 (HB).
The book covers China’s criminal justice system and is divided into two parts. The first part encompasses China’s criminal laws and procedures that are followed for the prosecution of persons accused of committing crimes in the country, whereas the second part contains an English version of various laws applicable in criminal prosecution in China. Chinese criminal law is applicable to both, citizens of China and foreigners who commit crimes within the territory of China.
The book starts with an introduction (Chapter 1) about the brief history of China since it became a republic in 1949, and then briefs about the administrative division of China. It introduces the judicial system, including the hierarchy of courts and reporting structure and appointment of the judges. Chapter 2 delves into the court system in China while referring to the functions of various organs of the court, like ‘Procuratorates’, ‘Public Security Organ’, and the ‘Adjudication Committee’. Chinese law does not allow for ‘The right to remain silent’. The Chinese courts, in the course of making decisions, rarely make any direct reference to decided cases from other Chinese courts.
Chapter 3 discusses the criminal law of China, starting with a brief history of the evolution of criminal law. The criminal law upholds the principle that punishment should be combined with education so as to reform a criminal. This chapter also covers the goals and types of punishments which could be awarded under the Chinese criminal law. Chapter 4 provides a detailed analysis of the criminal procedure law. The justice system in China now allows for ‘Criminal Reconciliation’, whereby offenders, through private negotiations with the parties concerned, can have their sentences reduced or even suspended by offering economic compensation to their victims in exchange for forgiveness.
Chapter 5 analyses repressive detention measures followed in China, which include ‘Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location (RSDL)’ system and the ‘Liuzhi’ system. The RSDL can be performed at the residence of the criminal suspect or defendant, if there is no fixed residence then at a ‘Designated Location’. RSDL is in fact an extra judicial measure and there is no requirement for a court order and is imposed before arrest. Another system of unaccounted detention called ‘Liuzhi’, which can be translated to ‘Stay and Placement’, created a new anti-graft agency, the National Supervision Commission (NSC) to oversee it. The NSC has the power to investigate all state employees, who could be subjected to Liuzhi. The United Nations (UN) experts have repeatedly called on China to repeal these systems, citing serious human rights concerns.
The sixth and seventh chapters are dedicated to ‘Death Penalty’ and executions in China. It provides a brief history of the death penalty, followed by the opinions of legal reformers and international reports and then, lists the crimes which result in the death penalty being awarded. It then proceeds to give the trial procedure for death penalty cases, death penalty review procedure, and the limitations, while giving examples of specific cases.
In 1998, China signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which provides for fundamental judicial protection of human rights. Though not yet ratified; by signing the ICCPR, China is obligated to refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of the Covenant, including the right to a fair trial in criminal proceedings. According to a national report submitted by China in accordance with UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16/21 in Nov 2018, “[…] deeper reform of the judicial system is still needed, the function of legal supervision has yet to be brought fully into play. The recent amendments to the Criminal Law of China, which will be applicable from 01 Mar 2024, stipulate a heavier punishment for bribers who offer bribes repeatedly or to more than one person, or offer bribes to state functionaries, supervisors, administrative law-enforcing officers, and judicial officers’’.
A number of academicians, lawyers, and human rights activists in China have expressed their opinions on wrongful conviction in criminal cases, including the death penalty. This issue has been critically analysed in Chapter 8 of the book. Chapter 9 concludes with remarks that the Chinese Government officials have weaponised the law. Xi trumpets ‘Rule of Law’ rhetoric to hide his lawfare; but he has distorted the true meaning of the phrase because, he vehemently opposes an independent judicial system that limits and controls the power of politics.
The second part of the book contains the latest English versions of the Chinese laws, which include: Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), 2020; The Criminal Procedure Law of the PRC, 2018; Procurators Law, 2019; Lawyers Law, 2019; Judges Law, 2019; and Law of the PRC on Administrative Penalty, 2021.
The book is a must read for those interested in the Chinese legal system and serves as a ready reckoner.
Group Captain Sharad Tewari, VM (Retd)
The Army Way: A reminiscence of childhood experiences and life lessons by Dr Sartaj Chaudhary; Self-Published; Page 80; Price Rs 327/- Amazon Kindle Edition; ISBN-9798395252432
‘The Army Way’ is a captivating memoir that provides an enlightening and heartfelt insight into the life of a young girl growing up in the distinctive environment of the Indian Army. Authored by Sartaj Kaur Chaudhary, daughter of an army officer, the book takes readers on an enchanting journey through her formative years, offering a plethora of memories, observations, and life lessons.
One remarkable aspect of the book is the meticulous description of the various army stations where the author resided. Her attention to detail is remarkable, as she not only portrays the physical surroundings but also captures the atmosphere and the profound sense of belonging inherent in each location. In each chapter, she has brought out important life lessons which she imbibed during her life. These lessons, she suggests, have shaped her into the person she is today, instilling in her a sense of empathy, strength, and determination. Lessons that readers are encouraged to embrace for their own personal growth and enhancement.
The author very beautifully articulated her relationship with everyone, be it with her family members or her friends. She brings out the importance of discipline with which her parents brought her up, laced with their love. She also talked about the ‘Batmans’ (Jawans deputed to look after the needs of an officer) who were very helpful and supportive. She elucidates the significance of camaraderie within the army community, where the entire unit is regarded as an extended family. In discussing her life, she also described the simplicity of her upbringing during the era when they did not wear designer clothing, were not accustomed to lavish gifts, engaged in games such as UNO and hide-and-seek, and watched movies weekly on the ‘Doordarshan’ channel every Sunday. Such activities, though lacking in extravagance, provided joy in every moment. She also exemplifies religiosity, and also shared an incident where when she was not wearing ‘Kara’ (a Sikh religious bangle made of steel) her foot got entangled in the rear tire of her bicycle. Since then, she never took it off, as she believes it offers her divine protection.
Sartaj also reflects on her journey towards independence and self-discovery. Despite the sheltered life she led, she wanted to explore the world beyond the confines of the army cantonment. This desire for independence culminated in her participation in an army camp organised for wards of army officers, where she was exposed to novel experiences and perspectives that challenged her worldview.
The book concludes with the retirement of the author’s father from the Indian Army, symbolising the end of an era and the commencement of a new chapter in their lives. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and joys that come with an army way of life.
In conclusion, ‘The Army Way’ is a compelling memoir that offers a unique perspective on life in the Indian Army. Through her engaging storytelling and insightful reflections, the author invites readers to share her journey of growth, discovery, and independence. This book resonates with readers of all ages, provides glimpses into the military world, which may be alien to some.
Ms Komal Chaudhary
India and the UN Peace Operations: In Service of Humanity and Global Peace by Colonel (Dr) Kulwant Kumar Sharma (Retd). USI of India and Indian Council of World Affairs, Pages 478, ISBN-978-93-94915-78-7, Price Rs 1880.00
‘India and the United Nations Peace Operations (UNPO): In Service of Humanity and Global Peace’, a product of collaborative work of the Indian Council of World Affairs and the United Services Institution of India (USI), is the second book on the UNPO authored by Colonel (Dr) KK Sharma. His earlier book ‘For the Honour of India: A History of Indian Peacekeeping’ was published in 2009 covering Indian participation up to 2008. This book covers the latter period until Aug 2023 which includes India’s first contribution to UNPO in Korea as well as its participation in the United Nation’s (UN) current traditional and complex missions. For better comprehension, the book has been divided into three chapters: ‘Inter-State UN Operations’, ‘Intra-State UN Peace Operations’ and ‘UN Multi-Dimensional Peace Operations’. The author begins the book by providing a brief history of UNPO, highlighting some of the important contemporary challenges of the UN and a brief insight into India’s contribution to peacekeeping and that of the Indian leadership in the ‘Introduction’ itself. This helps the readers to know what is to be expected in the main chapters of the book.
What is unique about this book? First, the section on Indian leadership’s contribution to peacekeeping, as explained in the introduction, is the starting point for an institution like USI to update the data bank regularly. Because, besides uniformed peacekeepers, India has the distinction of contributing to several senior-level appointments both at the UN Headquarters and in the field at decision-making levels.
Second, the available literature on India’s contribution talks about the period from the first international engagement in Korea. There is, however, no reference to what and how India has contributed to the Indo-China International Supervisory Commission, both at strategic and operational levels. Even though it was not a classical UN peace operation, following the conclusion of the Geneva Agreement to find peace after the internal conflicts in the Indo-China region (modern-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), the International Control Commission and International Commission for Supervision and Control were established. India had the unique distinction of chairing three commissions, the Cambodia Commission, the Vietnam Commission, and the Laos Commission. The section has beautifully brought out that while the UN can triumph over the success of the Geneva Agreement, it was India that provided the bulk of the peacekeepers.
Third, reference to participation by only the military as uniformed peacekeepers in peacekeeping is a limited understanding of the contribution by other stakeholders, including UN civilian police, civilian staff, and other associated agencies, who have the common goal of saving innocent civilians from the scourge of war. To this end, India’s contribution to the UN Police is something that has been missing in the available literature, but the detailed section on Indian police peacekeepers’ service has filled this gap in information. The reviewer brings out his personal experience of difficulty in collecting data related to India’s police participation. Given the details of the information provided in the book, one can recognise and acknowledge the effort put in by the author to make the book rich in its content.
Fourth, because of the current turmoil in geopolitics and ongoing threat to international peace and security, the failure to prevent the Ukraine and Gaza Wars and the rise in civilian casualties in some of the intra-state conflicts in the African region, the UN in general and peacekeeping in specific have come under criticism. The host states are increasingly asking some of the peacekeeping missions to exit and exerting their confidence to manage the conflicts by themselves, which has raised several debates on the future of UN peacekeeping. The author ends his book with a section on the future of UN peace operations, which is the icing on the cake.
Fifth, but not the last. The character of UNPO has undergone much change. After the end of the Cold War, intra-state conflicts became more pronounced in the newly independent countries, and UNPO stepped in with multi-functional mandates to keep the peace in the countries that were in the middle of vicious conflict, which caused destruction to the societies and institutions, and inflicted casualties on innocent civilians. India has been at the forefront of peace operations since the time of international engagement in the Indo-China region in the 1940s until the current complex intra-state conflicts in the African region. India’s contribution has been and continues to be acknowledged across the world. Being one of the major troop-contributing countries, India has earned the legitimate right to take pride in its contribution to UNPO. Drawing lessons from their own experiences and benefiting from them by successive generations helps the troop-contributing countries’ contribution to UNPO rich. However, unless there is sufficient literature that is easily accessible, the learning process will not be complete. When one tries to delve into the rich history of Indian participation in UNPO, it is a challenge because of the absence of records other than some factual data such as the strength of peacekeepers, names of the missions, details of the casualties, etc. In contrast, the western nations, which rarely participate in dangerous peace operations, do a good job of highlighting western contributions even though they pale in front of Indian contributions. It is probably because a country like India is busier with other important national issues and the western nations have more time to dwell upon international geopolitical issues. This is where this book stands apart. The author, besides describing and analysing the missions that could not be covered in his previous book, by focusing on the strategic and operational issues of the respective peacekeeping missions, has been able to create interest among a wide spectrum of readers. In addition to the available literature on the subject, the author took pains to interview and obtain first-hand information from some of the former peacekeepers, some of whom held positions at senior levels, to get their perspectives from the field.
As a student of UNPO, the reviewer states that he has read several books and always felt the need for something like this book to bridge the gap in the literature on Indian participation in UNPO. Those who have even a slight interest in UNPO must read this book. It can be labelled as a reference book on Indian contributions to UNPO. Besides being able to be better informed, students of UNPO like me will be better informed. Only a practitioner cum academician with years of experience can author a book like this. The reviewer compliments Colonel (Dr) KK Sharma who is also a Visiting Fellow of the USI of India for his work. The author’s vast experience should inspire other practitioners cum academicians to put down their experience for successive generations to benefit.
Major General (Dr) AK Bardalai (Retd)
Author : Book Reviews,
Category : Journal
Pages : 151 | Price : ₹CLIV/635 | Year of Publication : January 2024-March 2024