Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in High Himalaya

In the summer of 2020,China and India came near to war in eastern Ladakh due to a disputed border. The 4,000-kilometre Sino-Indian boundary is not marked on any map agreed upon by the two sides, and the two rising Asian giants are seeking geopolitical and strategic advantage. This timely book explains what is happening on 'the roof of the world' and why it matters for us all.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

In the summer of 2020, tensions between China and India escalated to near-war levels as both nations massed troops and equipment along their disputed border in eastern Ladakh. The two sides engaged in fierce physical altercations, using fists, stones, and clubs, near a fast-flowing Himalayan stream, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, many from hypothermia. The entire 4,000-kilometer Sino-Indian boundary is a subject of contention, with a history of conflict dating back to 1962 when the two countries fought a short and vicious war. The border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), is not marked on any map agreed upon by the two sides and runs through the largely unpopulated and inhospitable high mountains of the Himalayas.

For decades, Beijing and New Delhi have sought to resolve their border dispute through a complex system of agreements, akin to a kettle on a slow boil. However, the situation has now reached a boiling point, as both rising Asian giants, led by strongly nationalistic regimes, are determined to gain geopolitical and strategic advantage. This timely book delves into the ongoing events on "the roof of the world" and their significance for the global community.

The border dispute between China and India has its roots in the complex history of the two nations. India claims sovereignty over a significant portion of territory that is currently administered by China, including the disputed region of Aksai Chin. The dispute dates back to the 19th century when British colonial rule in India led to the creation of a boundary that was not universally accepted by the local populations.

In the 1960s, the Sino-Indian War further exacerbated tensions between the two countries. The war, which lasted for 18 days, resulted in a Chinese victory and the annexation of a large portion of Indian territory, including the strategically important region of Aksai Chin. The war left a lasting impact on both nations, with India suffering significant territorial losses and China gaining control of a valuable resource-rich region.

Since the 1960s, the border dispute has remained a source of tension between China and India. The two countries have engaged in several diplomatic negotiations, but no resolution has been reached to date. The dispute has become increasingly complex as both nations have grown in power and influence in the region.

In recent years, the border dispute has become more prominent due to the rise of nationalism in both China and India. Both countries have increasingly sought to assert their national interests and protect their territorial sovereignty. The dispute has also been exacerbated by the construction of infrastructure and military installations along the border, which have raised concerns about the potential for conflict.

One of the key issues in the border dispute is the status of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The LAC is not marked on any map agreed upon by the two sides and is a disputed area that runs through the high mountains of the Himalayas. The dispute over the LAC has been a source of tension and conflict in the past, with both sides claiming sovereignty over different parts of the region.

In recent years, the LAC has become more militarized, with both China and India building up their troops and equipment along the border. The construction of roads, bridges, and tunnels has also increased the mobility of troops and has made it easier for them to engage in combat.

The border dispute has significant implications for the region and the world. It has the potential to escalate into a full-scale conflict, which could have devastating consequences for both countries and the region. The dispute has also the potential to impact global trade and security, as both China and India are major economic powers and have significant military capabilities.

To address the border dispute, both China and India have engaged in diplomatic negotiations in recent years. However, these negotiations have been unsuccessful in resolving the issue. The dispute has also been exacerbated by the rise.

In conclusion, the border dispute between China and India is a complex issue that has significant implications for the region and the world. The two nations have a long history of conflict and have engaged in several diplomatic negotiations in recent years, but no resolution has been reached to date. The dispute has become increasingly complex as both nations have sought to assert their national interests and protect their territorial sovereignty. The dispute has the potential to escalate into a full-scale conflict, which could have devastating consequences for both countries and the region. To address the issue, both China and India need to engage in meaningful dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the dispute. This requires a willingness to compromise and a commitment to finding a solution that is acceptable to both sides.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787385405