The recent news highlights China’s attempt to offer Bhutan a “package solution” for their existing boundary dispute. This solution, although unspecified, appears to renew a 1996 proposal by China suggesting a territory swap. Let’s delve into this latest development in detail.
The Territory Swap Proposal
In 1996, China suggested exchanging valleys to the north of Bhutan which cover an area of 495 square kilometres, with the pasture lands at the western border, including Doklam, that amount to 269 square kilometres. This deal carries potential benefits for Bhutan by offering a larger chunk of land and hence, resolving its disputes with China.
Despite the perceived benefits for Bhutan, this proposal could compromise India’s security. Particularly, swapping Doklam might grant China access to the strategically crucial Siliguri corridor, commonly known as the “chicken neck”.
China’s Repeated Claim Over Sakteng
China has reiterated its claim on Bhutan’s eastern boundary at Sakteng. The country previously made such accusations at the 58th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council’s online meeting. This was in an unsuccessful attempt to refuse funding for the development project in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary located in Eastern Bhutan.
China continues to argue that the border between itself and Bhutan has never been defined, raising disagreements over the eastern, central, and western sectors of Bhutan. However, Bhutan remains resilient, asserting that Sakteng is part of its sovereign territory.
The Driving Force Behind the New Offer
The objective behind China’s new proposal may be to pressurize Bhutan into accepting the terms of this deal promptly. Failure to accept these propositions might add more claims from China, as seen in the case of Arunachal Pradesh with India.
The Implications for India
In 2017, a standoff occurred between the Indian and Chinese armies due to China’s intrusion into the Doklam plateau. India is accountable for protecting Bhutan from external threats like the Chinese military, according to the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007.
Despite Bhutan consenting to allow India to “guide” its foreign policy and defense affairs as per the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 1949, this treaty was altered in 2007. The change was made to respect Bhutan’s sovereignty concerns. The updated 2007 treaty ensures mutual cooperation on issues related to their national interests.
China, however, maintains that any third party should refrain from interfering in the China-Bhutan border issue, likely referring to India.
The Path Ahead
Bhutan has expressed its opposition against Chinese territorial claim in eastern Bhutan. It further states that any such future claims would be contested. The safety of the border from China remains a shared concern for both India and Bhutan. Hence, cooperative efforts need to be made on both sides to address this issue effectively.
