In early May 2020, a confrontation broke out between Indian and Chinese troops involving fistfights and stone-throwing along the de facto border between the two countries. The risk of open conflict has since escalated significantly. China and India share a 3,488 kilometer-long border known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that remains disputed and largely undefined. Skirmishes along the border are a relatively common occurrence, however, this latest incident has considerably increased the risk of conflict.
Troops from both sides are reportedly setting up camp along disputed areas and accusing each other of trespassing. Indian media reports thousands of Chinese troops are staged inside Indian territory. Conversely, China accuses India of constructing defense facilities within Chinese territory in the Galwan Valley region.
Given the lack of transparency between the two counties, analysts can only speculate on the exact rationale behind the sudden escalation. However, recent examples of foreign policy decisions suggest that both countries have taken a more aggressive stance on territorial issues. In 2019, India assumed greater control over Jammu and Kashmir, which borders the Chinese-controlled portion of the disputed Kashmir region. Similarly, China has taken a firm stance on Beijing’s authority over disputed territories such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, and the South China Sea. Despite the rising tensions, combating the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is likely to take precedence over a military conflict, at least for now.
Click here to read our insight on the heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir.
