The commencement of the new year marked a substantial change in China, with the implementation of a new border law. This has sent ripples across several nations due to potential implications for shared borders. Meanwhile, the border standoff in Eastern Ladakh still hangs unresolved and China’s recent decision to rename several regions of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory adds fuel to the tension. The repercussions of this new law are manifest, especially on India-China relations.
Key Provisions of China’s New Border Law
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is now legally bound to set up markers clearly delineating their land borders. This responsibility of managing and maintaining security along these borders is entrusted to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Chinese People’s Armed Police Force.
These law enforcement agencies must collaborate with local authorities to curb any illegal border crossings. Besides, they also have to maintain a check on any activity that could potentially jeopardize national security or hamper China’s amicable relations with neighboring countries. Moreover, local citizens and organizations are obligated by law to safeguard the border infrastructure.
Implications and Concerns
This law, albeit seemingly precautionary, seeks to furnish legal cover to the supposed transgressions by the Chinese military across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2020. It is feared that the sanctioned escalation of civilian settlement and infrastructure development along the border areas will cause even more friction between China and its neighbors.
Apart from territorial issues, this law might also lead to ecological crises. It allows for “measures to protect the stability of cross-border rivers and lakes”. This may pave the way for potential hydropower projects that could significantly alter the water flow in rivers like Brahmaputra or Yarlung Zangbo, which flows from China into India, thereby causing an environmental disaster.
China’s Border Disputes
China shares a 22,100-km land border with 14 countries. While it has managed to resolve boundary disputes with 12 of these countries, it remains at loggerheads with India and Bhutan. The Indo-China border disputes span a 3,488-km long stretch along the LAC whereas the China-Bhutan dispute covers approximately 400 km.
The Way Forward
Amidst an atmosphere of growing tension between India and China, the latter’s move to claim 15 locations in Arunachal Pradesh as its territory was not well received. The countries are currently engaged in diplomatic and military dialogues aiming to complete the disengagement process along the LAC.
Restoring peace and previous agreements will require both countries to exercise mutual sensitivity and refrain from needless provocations that might add to the already long list of differences.