The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India (Winner, Ramnath Goenka award)

Just finished reading the book. I am very interested in relationship between India and China and it riles me no end that China has been consistently successful at Salami slicing and always an arm twister in every negotiation using below board tactics. This book is just the right one to read to know more.My peeve about this book is that the first two chapters have many repetition of the same thing stated in different ways. That can be annoying when you are in a hurry to know more quickly!Now, with that out of the way, the author has given a good insight into how our (India and China) negotiations and relations have evolved over the last 70 + years. That India was keen to recognize communist China in the late 50s and went overboard to please China while China had the gall to say they were not interested in getting recognition unless India met their demands- that was something new to learn. We were stupid to fall for it. (And to think that we supported China to become a permanent member of UN Security Council!!)Over a long period of time , India learnt , but not fully* (see below), how to handle China. The author details this is chapters 3 to 6 listing Pokhran, Sikkim, The 123 Nuclear deal and listing Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UN per 1267 resolution.The Chapter 7 is worth its weight in gold. For anyone who is interested in India - China relationship, this book is a must and for anyone who plans to be in IFS, Chapter 7 is mandatory. It lists every crooked trick that China uses to bring pressure on the opposite party and how India should be wary and prepared for such situations. It is also a must read for politicians who will be some way associated with foreign (especially China) relations including members of Standing committees.China has been for far too long getting away with having the cake and eating it too. In all future negotiations with China, India has to shed its very civil and polite behavior and be very aggressive. The negotiators on the Indian side should be fully supported by the powers that be - they should be under no pressure of time and the negotiators should bluntly be able to call off the negotiations and call China's bluff. We should have our version of wolf warriors - Tiger warriors - who are even more aggressive and blunt. That is the ONLY language China understands and the only way India can make any progress in any negotiation with China.but not fully*During bloody standoff recently in the Ladakh region, India stood firm and showed its resolve to meet the Chinese aggression firmly. That is a change from the past. However why did India agree to vacate the higher ground at Gogra heights first before making sure China vacates Galwan and other places? The author cautions about precisely this in Chapter 7!!!

Extremely well written and analysed

Good book

Just as information reading regarding Indians preparedness towards the East.

Author has a very deep understanding of China and Chinese government and diplomats. He has narrated thier negotiation tricks and techniques using 5-6 events starting from the time of India’s independence. It also gives a very clear account of how certain governments and leaders on Indian side either didn’t realize what Chinese were up-to and squandered all the advantages for which we are still paying and or how others stood up to the challenges and showed Chinese our mettle.Also, while this bill ok is all about Indo-Chinese relationship and negotiation techniques, many lessons can be applied in corporate jobs.

Let me start by thanking former Foreign Secretary of India Mr. Vijay Gokhale on writing such an informative book about Chinese Tactics during negotiations. This is his second book on China after "Tiananmen Square: The Making of A Protest".Both books have been very useful for laymen like me to understand the Chinese system and China as a country in much better way. The chapters in books deals with important negotiations took place between India and China since 1947 and what strategies and tactics were employed by China to gain an upper hand in these negotiations.Since 1947 we have come a long way and now understand quite clearly Chinese way of negotiations. They will use all the tools, institutions, organizations, think tanks, prominent people not only of their own country but also their adversary to advance their interest and put the other side on backfoot.We as Indians needs to know more about our neighbour with whom we have already fought a war and with whom tensions seems to remain high on borders. Everyday we hear both Indian and Chinese sides are negotiating but not much information comes out. This book provides a peek into what may go on in these meetings and negotiations.

I loved to read this book, I read it in 3 days because of interest in International affairs.Last chapter of this book is result of experience learnt in passing decade by Our diplomats and Vijay Sir has given his best to this book and manuscript his experience.

The book "Long Game" has been written very thoughtfully for lessons to be learnt from our past dealing with China. Helpful for all those who are interested in the Indian foreign policy vis a vis China. The language is lucid and interesting to read. Only thing is, critical analysis of past decisions by our leaders needs more pragmatic approach, keeping the context in the frame of yesteryears situations.

This is an insightful book which puts into context the current relationship between India and China.