Sikkim: Chinese and Indian soldiers “Clash along the new border” – Thai BBC
Indian media reports that Chinese and Indian soldiers clash again in disputed areas along the border. With the injured on both sides
The incident happened in northern Sikkim on Wednesday. The Indian Army stated that There was a “small” collision where the situation was “resolved”.
Tensions are soaring along the world’s longest disputed border. With both sides claiming ownership over a large area
At least 20 Indian soldiers died during clashes in the Ladakh region in June last year.
What happened in the last collision?
Several media reports indicate that Clashes occurred in Naku La city in northern Sikkim. Sikkim is an Indian state flanked by Bhutan and Nepal. It is approximately 2,500 kilometers east of Ladakh region.
Officials reported. Chinese patrols attempted to enter Indian borders and were forced to retreat. Some reports say Wood and stone were used in the collision. But no other shooting
The Indian military’s statement was not very focused on the incident, saying that “there was a small encounter in the Nakula area of northern Sikkim on January 20, 2021, and the clashes had been” defeated “. Mediate by the commanders in the same area According to the regulations that have been defined “
One source told the Times of India that the two sides had strengthened their troops after a “collision” but no fire was fired. And the situation is still controllable
Chao Li Jian, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Did not give details about this incident. But stated that the Chinese military “Keeping our commitment to peace” and calling on India “Ignore any action that may elevate Or complicating the situation along the border “
Executive Editor of the Global Times (Global Times), China’s official media Tweeted that “There was no record of this collision in the Chinese reconnaissance report.”
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Boiling point and negotiation
Analysis by Vikas Panday, BBC News, New Delhi
The latest reports on the clashes show tensions still rising. The Indian Army’s statement showed that Both sides still want to open the way for negotiations. And did not want the collision to affect the negotiation process.
India and China have held a series of military talks to ease tensions. But still no tangible results
Soldiers continued to confront each other in vulnerable spots along disputed borders.
Some former Indian officials said Could not avoid a collision When the situation is not stable But they agreed that further negotiations were needed. Because both nations did not want war Even if it was a war in a limited area
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Why are there border disputes?
The large area along the 3,440 km long border is not clearly defined, the use of rivers, lakes and snow-capped mountains. Make the borders changeable The soldiers had to face each other at several points. Which sometimes leads to clashes
There was a small clash in May last year in the city of Nakula, located at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters a month later. There was a collision that resulted in the deaths of Galwan Valley (Galwan Valley) in the Ladakh region. In addition to the death of the Indian side It is also reported that China has been injured and killed as well. But there is no official comment on this matter.
Since there was a head-to-head collision with no firearms fired there. The two sides held several talks to alleviate the tensions. The 9th round of negotiations took place between the commanders of both sides on Sunday. Area to the east of Ladakh But there are no details that any agreement has been reached.
China and India are neighbors to each other, both possessing nuclear weapons. Each side lost China is one of India’s largest trading partners.
Relationships worsened in the midst of border encounters Both sides added construction on several border areas.
The Indian government has banned over 200 Chinese applications, citing cybersecurity concerns.
The two countries were at war in 1962 when India faced a devastating defeat.
An agreement signed in 1996 prohibits the use of firearms and grenades from the Line of Actual Control. Although the Chinese accused Indian soldiers fired a gun warning in Ladakh last September.
How is Sikkim strategically important?
A small region in the east of the Himalayas It has been the boiling point between India and China for decades. Several clashes took place during the war of 1962. Clashes along the border five years later cost hundreds of soldiers on both sides.
This former kingdom was a protectorate of India at that time. And officially became the 22nd state of India. After the referendum in 1975
Sikkim is close to the highlands of India called Doklam, or in China, Donglang.
India is concerned that China’s road access to the plateau will threaten the “chicken neck”, a strategically sensitive area of India just 20 kilometers wide, linking several northern Indian states. Including Assam and other parts of the country
There is also one more reason why borders in Sikkim are important. Indian military experts said That area was the only area where India was able to respond to Chinese attacks. And it is the only area along the Himalayan border where the Indian military has a strategic and terrain advantage. Because India is at a higher point And many areas of China in that area are flanked by India and Bhutan.
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