Arunachal Pradesh, 13 December 2022 (GNP): Following confrontations last week in the Tawang sector of India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, China has been accused by India of attempting to unilaterally alter the status quo on their disputed Himalayan boundary.
According to Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, the situation at the China-India border is peaceful.
China and India share a contentious 3,440km (2,100 miles) long de facto boundary, known as the Line of Actual Control, or LAC, because of the presence of rivers, lakes and snowcaps.
The line might change. At several moments, the soldiers on either side, representing two of the world’s largest armies, come face to face. Tensions can sometimes boil over into clashes.
However, both sides have been attempting to de-escalate since significant combat in June 2020 in the Galwan Valley of the Ladakh area far to the west, in which 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers were killed.
The battle, contested with sticks and blows rather than guns, was the first fatal clash between the two parties in the area in 45 years. Another clash in January 2021 harmed troops on both sides.
Also Read: ECC opens door for Reko Diq projects
It took place at the border between China and the Indian state of Sikkim, which is sandwiched between Bhutan and Nepal.
Both countries agreed in September to withdraw from a disputed territory along a remote western Himalayan border area, with both sides initiating military involvement.
In recent days, India-China relations have deteriorated. The two world giants are at odds over their disputed boundary in the Himalayan area.
Here’s some context in 400 words to help you comprehend what’s going on. What is the source of the conflict? Despite many military-level meetings, emotions remain high.
The most recent clash, on January 20, damaged personnel on both sides. It happened along the border in the Indian state of Sikkim, which is sandwiched between Bhutan and Nepal.
Also Read: No sense in deploying more troops- President Putin
The year 2020 was especially violent. The June conflict in the Galwan Valley, which was fought with sticks and clubs rather than guns, was the first fatal clash between the two groups since 1975. India accepted responsibility for its losses. China did not respond to reports that it had also suffered casualties.
India accused China of inciting military tensions at the border twice a week in August. Both charges were refuted by China, which blamed India for the standoff. China accused India of firing bullets at its troops in September.
China was accused by India of firing into the air. If confirmed, it would be the first time shots was fired at the border in 45 years. An agreement signed in 1996 between the two sides barred the use of firearms and explosives near the border.
However, heightened tensions carry the possibility of intensification, which can be disastrous given that both sides are established nuclear powers. There would also be economic consequences because China is India’s largest commercial partner.