1958 Republic Day Chief Guest: China's Marshal Ye Jianying Assessed India's Military Might

• In 1958, China's Marshal Ye Jianying was the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day, symbolizing 'Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai' friendship.
• Ye Jianying, a top military leader, reportedly assessed India's military strength during his visit.
• Four years later, in 1962, China launched a war against India, revealing the true nature of their 'friendship'.
• China used diplomatic overtures like Panchsheel while secretly building infrastructure in Aksai Chin and not recognizing the McMahon Line.
• The 1962 war was a result of China's strategic expansion and military preparations under the guise of friendship.

Why It Matters: China's 1958 Republic Day Chief Guest visit was a strategic move before the 1962 war.