China causing mutual distrust, says Army chief Updated: Updated: February 12, 2021 23:05 IST Perception that India is mainland and Northeast must align itself to ways of mainland in itself is flawed, he says Share Article AAA Army Chief General M.M. Naravane after meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi. File | Photo Credit: PTI Perception that India is mainland and Northeast must align itself to ways of mainland in itself is flawed, he says The “rising footprint” of China in India’s neighbourhood and its attempts to “unilaterally alter the status quo” along India’s disputed borders have created an environment of “confrontation and mutual distrust”, Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane on Friday stated and asserted that regional and internal connectivity was central to unleashing the potential of the Northeast and “balancing” the influence of China.