In this episode, Dr Happymon Jacob speaks with Dr Jabin T. Jacob (Associate Professor, Department of International Relations and Governance Studies) and discusses the significance of the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s unannounced visit to India. Dr Jabin Jacob argues that such visits should not occur without prior discussion of the outcomes, especially in light of outstanding issues along the Line of Actual Control. He is critical of India’s lack of response to Chinese transgressions and makes a strong case for punitive actions if India is to deter Chinese salami-slicing tactics in the future. Dr Jacob explains the uniqueness of the Chinese Party-State, where regime interest prevails over national interests and what it means for India-China strategic rivalry. He describes the ideological reasons behind Chinese support for authoritarian Russia against the West and delineates the complexities of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the lessons China might learn from it.