China has recently sparked concern by making new territorial claims in Bhutan’s eastern Trashigang district. The claim was introduced during the 58th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council’s online meeting, where China objected to a funding request for developing the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary project located in the mentioned area. Regardless of China’s opposition, after Bhutan’s protest, the project got clearance for funding from the GEF, a US-based global entity that finances environmental projects. By claiming the boundary between China and Bhutan has never been defined, China declared the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary as a disputed area.
Bhutan’s Disapproval of China’s Claim
Bhutan strongly rebutted China’s claim, asserting the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary as an inherent and sovereign territory of Bhutan. It emphasized that similar grants have funded past projects without any objections from China. Bhutan relayed its viewpoint to China via its embassy located in New Delhi, as both nations lack embassies in each other’s territories. All diplomatic communications occur through missions based in Delhi since Bhutan and China have no formal diplomatic relations. The border disputes between Bhutan and China are confined to the central (Pasamlung and Jakarlung) and western (Doklam) sectors, with no mention of the Sakteng region located in eastern Bhutan within their boundary negotiations spanning from 1984 to 2016.
India’s Concerns Regarding the China-Bhutan Dispute
China’s newly-asserted territorial claim is perceived as an attempt to pressure India’s smaller neighbours, possibly as a punishment for associating closely with India. In 2017, China intruded into the Doklam plateau, provoking a standoff between Chinese and Indian armies. It is speculated that China may be using these tactics to either apply pressure on India or distract India from its aggression in Ladakh. Notably, Sakteng is situated on the border with Arunachal Pradesh, a region also partially claimed by China. Despite the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007, the Indian military has a significant role in protecting Bhutan from potential external threats posed by the Chinese military.
The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty
According to the 1949 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, India was given authority to guide Bhutan’s foreign policy and defence affairs. This treaty was, however, revised in 2007 to respect Bhutan’s sovereignty concerns. As per the 2007 treaty, both countries pledged to cooperate on matters impacting their national interests. Both governments agreed not to use their territories for activities detrimental to each other’s national security and interest. In reference to this dispute, China stated that third parties should not interfere, seemingly pointing to India.
Future Move of Bhutan and India
Bhutan has openly protested against China’s territorial claims and expressed willingness to continue doing so if China continues to label the territory as disputed. The safety of borders from China remains a mutual concern for both Bhutan and India, indicating a need for close collaboration in managing this issue.
