Nehru's adamance that China withdraw from Aksai Chin and thus abandon the highway was seen as another Indian attempt to undermine China's presence in Tibet. According to John W. Garver, China reached the incorrect conclusion that Nehru was continuing his "grand plans in Tibet".
Nehru's unyielding stance that China vacate Aksai Chin and the highway was perceived as another Indian attempt to weaken China's grip on Tibet. As noted by John W. Garver, China mistakenly believed that Nehru was pursuing his "long-term goals in Tibet".