1958 Republic Day: Chinese Marshal Ye Jianying, India's Guest Before 1962 War

• In 1958, Marshal Ye Jianying, a top Chinese military leader, was the chief guest at India's Republic Day, symbolizing perceived closeness.
• This diplomatic gesture occurred just four years before the 1962 India-China War, which India views as a betrayal.
• Despite the 'Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai' era and Panchsheel Agreement, China was secretly building roads in Aksai Chin and never formally accepted the India-China boundary.
• The visit highlighted India's foreign policy at the time, aiming to project unity with newly independent Asian powers.
• Unresolved disputes over Tibet, Aksai Chin, and the McMahon Line, along with the Dalai Lama's asylum, led to escalating tensions and ultimately war.

Why It Matters: A Chinese Marshal's 1958 Republic Day visit masked deep-seated border disputes that led to the 1962 war.