China and India muscle up after border dispute but diplomatic channels open

Both sides have deployed more troops in remote area near Tibet following clash in which Chinese and Indian soldiers were injured

Observers say more confrontations possible but communications between the two countries remain strong

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A recent confrontation between Chinese and Indian troops in the remote border region near Tibet has led to both sides strengthening their forces in the area. Photo: AP

Published: 8:30pm, 19 May 2020Updated: 11:05pm, 19 May 2020

China and India have deployed additional troops to their border near Tibet following a renewed conflict, despite both parties insisting that diplomatic channels remain open.

The move follows an encounter on May 5 at a remote, mountainous crossing in which 11 soldiers – four Indian and seven Chinese – were reported to have been injured during a patrol in Nuka La, in the northeastern state of Sikkim, which borders Bhutan, Nepal and China.

The stand-off, near the 4,570-metre (15,000-feet) Nathu La crossing, was resolved after “dialogue and interaction” at a local level. China’s nationalist tabloid Global Times, quoting an unnamed military official, said the Chinese troops had taken necessary measures to strengthen on-site response and border area control.

“China will resolutely safeguard the national territorial sovereignty and security, and resolutely maintain peace and stability in the border area,” the report said.

Unnamed sources quoted by The Times of India on Tuesday said troop reinforcements and fortifications had taken place in more parts of Ladakh, part of the Kashmir region which has been disputed by India, Pakistan and China since 1947. The report said the Galwan Valley had also emerged as a flashpoint after Chinese troops pitched tents near a river and started construction activity.