All stories by CLAUDE ARPI
China believes the best form of defence is attack
Rediff.com5 Jul 2017'How can a State, which claims to be a responsible power, unilaterally grab a "disputed" area to build a road on it?' asks Claude Arpi.
Be prepared for China's Electronic Warfare
Rediff.com27 Jun 2017'In India, China's capacities to conduct new types of warfare is critically underestimated,' says Claude Arpi.
France has the Blues
Rediff.com18 Apr 2017'Who would have thought that Brexit would take place or Donald Trump would become US president or Kim Jong-un's madness could bring the prospect of nuclear war over Asia?' 'It is the time of the unexpected; the French elections should perhaps be seen in this perspective,' says Claude Arpi.
An epic journey: The day the Dalai Lama came to India
Rediff.com21 Mar 2017Claude Arpi gives a fascinating firsthand account of the Dalai Lama's arrival in Tawang in March 1959 and explains why he will once again receive a grand welcome, whether Beijing likes it or not.
Nehru's Aksai Chin Blunder
Rediff.com3 Feb 2017'Delhi was not concerned.' 'It would continue sleeping for several more years, with the result that Indian territory is still occupied by China today,' says Claude Arpi.
Why China is angry with the Puja in Bodh Gaya
Rediff.com13 Jan 2017China's ruling Communist Party has cracked down on Tibetans who planned to attend the Kalachakra Puja in Bodh Gaya. But the Tibetan people have dared the Communists by listening to the Dalai Lama's sermons on the Internet and sharing videos on social media.
Why the world books a holiday in Bhutan
Rediff.com11 Nov 2016Claude Arpi, who spent 10 days in the Land of the Dragon, tells us how Bhutan is different from the rest of the world.
Bhutan, where GNH is more important than GDP
Rediff.com11 Nov 2016Claude Arpi, who spent 10 days in the Land of the Dragon, tells us how Bhutan is different from the rest of the world.
Why the Rafale deal will be a game-changer for India
Rediff.com22 Sep 2016India's enemies be warned: The Rafale deal will bring a sea change in India's defence preparedness.
How trifurcation may help calm Kashmir
Rediff.com7 Sep 2016'As long as Pakistan exists, the situation will not stabilise and violence is bound to erupt from time to time.' 'Though not a final solution, a step that could help localise the abscess -- trifurcate Jammu and Kashmir state into three parts: Jammu, Ladakh and the Valley.'
China's plans: Time for India to wake up
Rediff.com25 Jul 2016Nearly two decades ago, then defence minister George Fernandes said: 'China has built roads up to the border, while there has been negligence on India's part.' Since Fernandes uttered these brave words, what has been done on the Indian side? The Modi Sarkar is apparently trying, but little has been achieved so far, says Claude Arpi.
On strike, at play: The two faces of France
Rediff.com15 Jun 2016As football fans arrive to watch Euro 2016, France's trade unions have undertaken a series of strikes to provoke a make-or-break situation. Claude Arpi encounters both Gallic beauty and ugliness in the country of his birth.
The Lonely Man of China
Rediff.com22 Apr 2016What was the need for Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, President of the People's Republic of China and Chairman, Central Military Commission, to don the new role of Commander in-Chief? Does this mean that the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao faces numerous threats from within the Communist Party?
Will the IAF not get its Rafales?
Rediff.com22 Mar 2016With the Rafale fighter deal stuck over price negotiations, can the prime minister step in and find a way out for both countries?
China's defence spend: $146 bn. India's: $40 bn!
Rediff.com7 Mar 2016Confronting a slowdown in growth, China says it will only increase its defence budget by 7.6% this year, against the anticipated rise of between 20% and 30%. 'It is difficult to explain the reduction in the Chinese defence budget,' says Claude Arpi. 'Is there a hidden budget? Possibly!'
Watch out for China's new, improved, army
Rediff.com13 Feb 2016Will China's new military reforms endanger Xi Jinping's rule?
What will India serve Hollande on R-Day?
Rediff.com21 Jan 2016While the Rafale deal seems to be the main order of business during French President Francois Hollande's visit, other aspects could help sweeten the deal, says Claude Arpi.
China's living Buddhas: Nirvana for sale?
Rediff.com22 Dec 2015Communist China has recently developed a great expertise in 'soul reincarnation', feels Claude Arpi
Why can't Xi shake the Monk's hand?
Rediff.com19 Nov 2015'Why assail the Tibetan leader at a time when many in China realise that the Buddhist monk is the best bet if Beijing is seriously trying to find a solution to the Tibetan issue?' asks Claude Arpi.
Why did the British suck up to the Chinese?
Rediff.com26 Oct 2015'The "Hollandisation" of British policy may not bring the expected gains as the future may show,' says Claude Arpi.