The Chinese legislature has recently passed a new border law, stirring up global attention. Amid ongoing tension between Indian and Chinese militaries in eastern Ladakh, these new regulations mandate the state and military’s role in defending national territory, and “combating any acts” challenging China’s territorial claims.
Understanding the New Border Law
The new border law places significant emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity. It holds that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China are sacred and inviolable. The law mandates the state to safeguard territorial integrity and land boundaries, and to guard against and combat any act that undermines territorial sovereignty and land boundaries.
Responsibilities Under the Law
The law lays out clear responsibilities for different government bodies. The military, the State Council or Cabinet, and provincial governments all have defined roles in managing security and economic issues in the border areas.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is charged with carrying out border duties which include conducting drills, preventing, stopping and combating invasion, and other acts of encroachment, provocation, and threat.
State responsibilities also include strengthening border defence, supporting social and economic development in border areas, improving public services and infrastructure, and fostering a quality life and work experience for residents.
The law also mandates that the state should handle border-related disputes with neighbouring countries based on principles of equality, mutual trust and friendly consultation. This is seen as an approach to effectively resolve longstanding border issues.
Concerns Arising from the New Law
Despite its stated aim, the border law raises concerns due to its seeming formalisation of some of China’s recent disputed actions with India and Bhutan.
Its passing closely follows increased Chinese activity along land borders, mirroring activities in contested waters in the East and South China Sea. Prominent examples include PLA troops gathering in forward areas along the Indian border and numerous transgressions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
China’s pursuit of strengthening border infrastructure, such as establishing air, rail and road networks and launching a bullet train in Tibet that reaches close to Arunachal Pradesh, is also noteworthy. Further concerns include the construction of “frontier villages” along the Bhutan border.
China’s Border Disputes Overview
China shares a 22,100-kilometer land border with 14 countries. It has successfully resolved boundary disputes with 12 neighbours, leaving India and Bhutan as the two countries where China is yet to finalize border agreements.
In terms of broad figures, India-China border disputes cover 3,488-km along the Line of Actual Control, while the China-Bhutan dispute spans about 400 km. Recent developments include a signed MOU between China and Bhutan, setting up a three-step roadmap to speed up boundary negotiations.
