1958 Republic Day: China's Deception Unveiled, Chief Guest Visit Led to 1962 War

• Marshal Ye Jianying, a powerful figure of China's People's Liberation Army, was the chief guest at India's 1958 Republic Day parade.
• Despite the 'Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai' slogan and an atmosphere of trust, Jianying's visit was a strategic mission to assess India's military capabilities.
• China meticulously scrutinized India's military strength, equipment, and strategy during the visit, intensifying border activities upon his return.
• China secretly constructed roads in Aksai Chin and never officially recognized the India-China border, laying groundwork for conflict.
• The 1958 visit was part of China's strategy to gain India's trust before the 1962 war, which was seen as a betrayal.

Why It Matters: The 1958 Republic Day chief guest visit by China's Marshal Ye Jianying was a strategic deception leading to the 1962 war.