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Latest India-China LAC stand-off: All you need to know

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The Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China is once again on the boil with reports coming in that China has marshaled around 5,000 soldiers on its side of the border and is in the process of setting up temporary infrastructure. This was preceded by reports of Chinese and Indian troops engaging in face-offs in the East Ladakh and Sikkim sectors.

What is China up to? Is it a coincidence that increased Chinese activity at the LAC has come at a time when India, like the rest of the world, is busy battling the Covid-19 pandemic? Or are these just the usual muscle flexing tactics China is often known to employ to bully its neighbours?

Also Read: Trump offers mediation to solve India-China border dispute

NewsMobile takes a closer look at the issue:

What is actually happening at the Line of Actual Control?

During the past three weeks, there have been reports of how Chinese troops have been transgressing into Indian territory by crossing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and Demchok in Ladakh and at Naku La in Sikkim.

A skirmish between soldiers from both sides was first reported from the Pangong Tso area on May 5. It could only end after local military commanders from both sides met. On May 9, both Chinese and Indian troops were engaged in another stand-off in North Sikkim.

In the Ladakh sector in particular, reports started emerging that the Chinese soldiers had dug trenches and erected tents in many areas—apparently gearing for a long haul.

The face-offs witnessed between troops from both sides involved scuffles leaving many troops from both sides injured.

What are reasons behind this sudden escalation from the Chinese side?

A combination of reasons may be attributed behind China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed border areas with India. Skirmishes between the armies of both countries along the LAC are not uncommon given the fact that there are differences in the way both sides perceive the LAC. In the past, there have been multiple instances where troops from both sides clashed accusing each other of transgressions.

Many in India’s defence establishment see these moves by China as a reaction to India renewing its efforts to build border infrastructure.

China, remember, has, over the years, set up quality border infrastructure (roads, buildings, etc) on its side of the LAC. But it has always had problems with India doing the same on its side of the LAC.

Another, much simpler reason to create this situation at the border could be to negate the already settled border positions in many sectors.

Transgressing into Indian territory and setting up temporary infrastructure there could be part of a long-term strategy to try and force change in the boundary map.

Many observers feel that since China is getting the collective flak from the world for its alleged mishandling of the Covid-19 crisis, it is using its military muscle—be it in South China Sea or on the LAC with India—just to divert attention from its dubious role in the pandemic that has infected over 5.5 million people globally and killed over 3.5 lakh people.

What has been India’s official position on the matter?

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that “any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the Line of Actual Control in the western sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate”.

“Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously.

All Indian activities are entirely on the Indian side of the LAC. In fact, it is the Chinese side that has recently undertaken activity hindering India’s normal patrolling patterns,” MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava has said.

“Indian side has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management. At the same time, we are deeply committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and security. The Indian troops strictly follow the procedures laid down in various bilateral agreements and protocols to resolve any situations which may arise due to difference in perception of the LAC. The two sides have established mechanisms to resolve such situations peacefully through dialogue,” the MEA Spokesperson has stated.

The MEA has further said that both sides remain engaged with each other to address any immediate issues. “In accordance with the consensus reached in Chennai, Indian side remains firmly committed to work for the common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas. This is an essential prerequisite to the further development of India-China bilateral relations,” the MEA has said.

What has been China’s official position?

On May 27, China called the border situation with India “overall stable and controllable” and said that both countries have proper mechanisms and communication channels to resolve the issues through a dialogue and consultations. China further said that its position on the border related issues is clear and consistent.

Chinese Envoy to India, Sun Weidong also said on May 27 that both countries should never let differences overshadow our relations and that they should resolve differences through communication.

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