Doklam THE CASE OF DISAGREEMENT

The recent standoff between India and China at the Doklam plateau which lies at a tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan has gained much attention. It has turned into the biggest military stand-off between the two armies in years. There are many who even fear for war. The offensive stand of China on Doko La (Doklam) and India’s strong warning in return, is the latest addition to the worries that spoil Indo-China relations. It started when India (Indian Army) objected a road construction by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China in the Doklam plateau which China claims to be a part of its Donglang region. However, India and Bhutan recognise Doklam, as a Bhutan territory. Later, China accused Indian troops of entering in its territory and India accused the Chinese of destroying its bunkers (People’s Liberation Army bulldozed an old bunker of the Indian army stationed in Doklam). Thereafter China stopped the pilgrim passage heading towards Kailash-Mansarovar through the Nathu La pass, Sikkim. The route is a better alternative to Lepu Lekh route via Uttarakhand and had been opened for pilgrims in 2015. Hereafter, both India and China increased the presence of their troops and since then there has been a war of words especially from the Chinese state media. Although a military standoff was averted, diplomatic negotiations have not yielded many results to cool-off the passions across the border.

OTHER ISSUES RELATING TO DISPUTE BETWEEN INDO-CHINA

Sri Lanka signed a USD 1.1 billion deal to sell a 70% stake in the strategic Hambantota port to China which draws major concerns over the massive debt the island nation incurred in the port’s construction.