Indian and Chinese troops had a temporary face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at two different locations, Naku La (Sikkim) and near Pangong Tso Lake (Eastern Ladakh).
Geographical Importance of Naku La
Naku La, located in the state of Sikkim, stands above 5,000 meters from the Mean Sea Level (MSL). The crucial pass lies ahead of Muguthang or Cho Lhamu, the source of River Teesta. While the road on the Chinese side is motorable, the Indian side is comparatively remote. Other strategically significant passes in Sikkim include Nathu La Pass and Jelep La Pass.
Pangong Tso Lake and Its Significance
Pangong Lake, residing in the Union Territory of Ladakh, is situated at 4,350m above sea level, making it the world’s highest saltwater lake. Extending about 160 km, India controls a third of the lake, with China occupying the rest.
The Cause of Occasional Face-Offs
Tensions arise due to unresolved and undemarcated boundary issues along the India-China border, which spans a length of 3,488 km along the Line of Actual Control. Differences in interpretation of the undemarcated boundary lead to patrols from either side overlapping, causing transgressions and face-offs. These issues are typically resolved through agreed-upon protocols aimed at maintaining peace. Local Border Personnel Meetings (BPM) also play a crucial role in resolving disputes.
Mechanism for Resolving Conflicts
Protocols established with China allow local formation commanders to resolve issues peacefully. The recent clash recalls the Doklam stand-off three years ago between India and China across the Sikkim border. This issue was discussed in the Wuhan Summit (2018), where both countries agreed to provide “strategic guidance” to their militaries to build trust and understanding.
Understanding The McMahon Line and Line of Actual Control
The McMahon Line, extending 890 km, serves as a separation line between British India and Tibet. This boundary, crafted by Sir Henry McMahon at the China-Tibet-Britain Simla Convention in 1914, marked unclaimed or undefined borders between Britain and Tibet. By doing so, it incorporated Tawang (now in Arunachal Pradesh) into the British empire. The LAC was designed to divide areas under Indian and Chinese control since the end of the Sino-Indian War in 1962 but was not mutually agreed upon like the LoC (between India and Pakistan).
China’s Aggressive Diplomacy: Global Examples
China has shown assertive diplomacy in its dealings with Western countries seeking clarity on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have also been reports of China establishing new administrative districts for the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos in the South China Sea and claiming sovereignty over several geographic features and islands in the contested region.