In the biggest military confrontation between India and China in over five decades, at least 20 Indian Army soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley

'Sacrifices of soldiers will not go in vain', says PM Modi on LAC violent clash | India-China

'India wants peace but capable of giving fitting reply', PM Modi on India-China conflict

China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday briefs over violent border standoff that claims lives of soldiers on both the side. Ministry's spokesperson says that 'Indian troops crossed the LAC and entered in our territorial region that further leads to faceoff between both the armies', he also added that 'Military and diplomatic talks are underway to diffuse the tensions'.

'In a very close diplomatic communication with India', China's briefing on India faceoff

As many as 35 Chinese troops died, including one senior officer, in a fierce clash with the Indian Army in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15, hints US Intelligence.

35 Chinese troops dead in clash with Indian Army, says US Intelligence

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian in a press release said that India and China at this point in time are in close communication with each other in a bid to try and diffuse the tensions at the border.

Chinese spokesperson Zhao Lijian: Indian troops violated protocols, attacked Chinese troops

The Indian Army on June 16 has confirmed that the number of Indian soldiers martyred in the “violent face-off” with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on June 15 night is now 20. Many Indian soldiers are said to be in the custody of China and 4 are critically injured. Watch report.

India-China face-off: 4 Indian soldiers critically injured, 20 martyred confirms Indian Army

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday called for a complete ban on Chinese products following a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Ladakh.&nbsp;Three Indian Army personnel, one officer and two soldiers, were martyred in the violent standoff that occurred on Monday night between the Indian and Chinese troops.&nbsp;

"During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place on Monday night with casualties. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers," the Army said in a statement.

Whereas Harbhajan Singh, taking to social media platform Twitter, wrote: “Ban all Chinese products #BoycottChineseProducts”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-identifies-september-26-to-november-8-for-ipl-2020-report-306243" hreflang="en">BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report</a>

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Ban all Chinese products <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottChineseProducts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottChineseProducts</a> <a href="https://t.co/nzaNc3DyoE">https://t.co/nzaNc3DyoE</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1272809783360249856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A divisional Commander Level meeting is going on at the Eastern Ladakh Sector to defuse the border situation in China.&nbsp;

The Indian Army further said that “casualties suffered on both sides” in violent face-off during the de-escalation process.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-indian-soldiers-martyred-in-clash-with-chinese-troops-along-lac-306224" hreflang="en">3 Indian soldiers martyred in clash with Chinese troops along LAC</a>

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry when asked about Indian Army reporting casualties during the clash with its troops accused Indian troops of crossing the border and "attacking Chinese personnel", AFP added.

China's Global Times quoting the foreign minister said that "Indian troops on Monday seriously violated consensus of the two sides by illegally crossing the border twice and carrying out provocative attacks on Chinese soldiers, resulting in serious physical clashes"

"China has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side and urged it to strictly restrain its frontline troops from crossing the border or taking any unilateral action that may complicate the border situation," the Global Times quoted the foreign minister as saying.

"China and India agreed to resolve the bilateral issues through dialogue to ease the border situation and maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas," the Global Times quoted the Chinese foreign minister as saying.

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday called for a complete ban on Chinese products following a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Ladakh.

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday called for a complete ban on Chinese products following a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Ladakh. Three Indian Army personnel, one officer and two soldiers, were martyred in the violent standoff that occurred on Monday night between the Indian and Chinese troops. "During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place on Monday night with casualties. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers," the Army said in a statement. Whereas Harbhajan Singh, taking to social media platform Twitter, wrote: “Ban all Chinese products #BoycottChineseProducts” ALSO READ: BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report Ban all Chinese products #BoycottChineseProducts https://t.co/nzaNc3DyoE — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 16, 2020 × A divisional Commander Level meeting is going on at the Eastern Ladakh Sector to defuse the border situation in China. The Indian Army further said that “casualties suffered on both sides” in violent face-off during the de-escalation process. ALSO READ: 3 Indian soldiers martyred in clash with Chinese troops along LAC Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry when asked about Indian Army reporting casualties during the clash with its troops accused Indian troops of crossing the border and "attacking Chinese personnel", AFP added. China's Global Times quoting the foreign minister said that "Indian troops on Monday seriously violated consensus of the two sides by illegally crossing the border twice and carrying out provocative attacks on Chinese soldiers, resulting in serious physical clashes" "China has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side and urged it to strictly restrain its frontline troops from crossing the border or taking any unilateral action that may complicate the border situation," the Global Times quoted the foreign minister as saying. "China and India agreed to resolve the bilateral issues through dialogue to ease the border situation and maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas," the Global Times quoted the Chinese foreign minister as saying.

'#BanAllChineseProducts' - Harbhajan Singh lashes out at China after violent face-off with Indian Army at LAC

A force to reckon with or a paper dragon? A question aimed at understanding the so-called might of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Tonight, this army is retreating from the border in Ladakh.

A force to reckon with or a paper dragon? A question aimed at understanding the so-called might of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Tonight, this army is retreating from the border in Ladakh. And the question becomes all the more significant. Does the PLA live up to the eulogizing reports by the Chinese state media? Is their ground enough for the hyperbole and hubris around its capabilities? It is the largest military force in the world. It has the second-largest defence budget in the world and it's under the absolute control of the Chinese communist party. The People's Liberation Army has grown more assertive during this pandemic. It is militarizing disputed islands in the South China sea, it is intensifying pressure on Taiwan and is attempting to grab territories at the India-China border. But lost in the hyperbole of its might and technological prowess is a sense of perspective. The PLA continues to be plagued by enduring weaknesses. The conscription challenge Technically the military service is mandatory for all Chinese citizens. The practice of conscription is held high even in the Chinese constitution. But the conscription cycle comes with its own set of challenges. The PLA is said to rely on approximately 800,000 conscripts that have to serve for a period of two years. Each conscript is trained for 90 days along with 15 days of political indoctrination. Due to this policy, the forces lose 20 to 35 per cent of their combat power for a period of three to four months annually. It recruits heavily but fails to retain professionals. Professionalism of recruits The second big challenge is recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. China's army recruits a higher number of poor youth from rural backgrounds. They join for the perks. The educated city dwellers tend to leave. Experts blame the one-child policy for this. A policy which is said to produce pampered children who cannot withstand military discipline. When in the army, they're dissatisfied the post-service perks are few. This weakens the force by depriving it of high-quality professionals. Civilian oversight The PLA is characterized by extremely weak civilian control. There's an almost total absence of civilian oversight. The only civilian in the military's chain of command is said to be the chairman of China's Central Military Commission President Xi Jinping himself. This leads to rampant corruption and allows the PLA to demand and spend its budget without accountability. There is no discussion or debate over the levels of allocations funding or PLA strategies in the National People's Congress. Operational initiative The CCP doesn't allow decision making at lower levels. It's the same with the PLA. This prevents the front-line commanders from taking initiative. It hinders soldiers from responding quickly to developments. The result is confusion and frustration at lower levels as troops await decisions from above. Insufficient training The videos don't tell the real story, they gloss over the fact that China's soldiers undergo insufficient training in conditions that are not challenging enough. Military exercises are not seen as a chance to identify problems. The aim is to always succeed. This reduces military training into opportunities to impress superiors. A few headlines give a preview to what it is. The military's orienteering team was disqualified for cheating at the military world games held in China last year and in 2015, Chinese troops as part of a UN peacekeeping force in Sudan are said to have fled the battlefield rather than engage in combat. This is the People's Liberation Army, burdened with organizational problems and riddled with inefficiencies. Neither perfect nor invincible.

Reasons why China's People's Liberation Army is not invincible

The People's Liberation Army serves as an indoctrination tool of the Communist Party. Soldiers are forced to study communist writings to such a degree that they can recite them verbatim.

Every civilian is encouraged to emulate these soldiers by enrolling in the army. They are forced to undergo physically demanding recruit training.

But what happens if someone refuses? What happens if someone decides to quit the PLA?

The Chinese government makes sure to create trouble&nbsp;in their lives.&nbsp;

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This is the story of a man called Zhang Moukang. He was a university student from China's southern Hainan province. He joined the Chinese army and within a month, he wanted to leave.&nbsp;

And this isn't a very old story, this happened in December 2019. The time when China was hiding the Wuhan virus.

So Zhang wanted to quit. What happened next is a matter of record. It has been documented on the official English website of the PLA. The Chinese army made an example out of Zhang.

He was subjected to eight different types of punishment. The punishments that every recruit planning to quit the army will face.

Let's list them out:&nbsp;

First, He will be branded as &nbsp;'seriously discreditable'.

They have such a list in China. The list of people who are 'seriously discreditable' in fulfilling national defence obligations. He will be banned from travelling abroad, purchasing real estate, from taking long-distance trains or buses, from even taking loans and insurance services.&nbsp;All of this will be for a period of two years.

Punishment number two, which will be for life. &nbsp;

He won't get a job as a civil servant. Not even a temporary assignment. He won't be recruited by government agencies or enterprises for life.

Punishment number three,&nbsp;

Your military service status will forever be changed to 'rejection of military service'.

In China, this translates into the life-long stigma. 
&nbsp; 
Fourth punishment, he can't go back to college. For two years, will be forbidden from re-entering college. So he can't resume your studies.&nbsp;

Fifth, no preferential treatment. That's something compulsory servicemen are entitled to. Those who quit, obviously don't get it.&nbsp;

Sixth, he will be fined. A fine of 4,000 dollars plus reimbursement to the military worth 3,750 dollars.&nbsp;

This is money he will have to pay for the costs incurred during your training. Even if he did not finish it.

Seventh, he can't start any business. Not for two years at least.&nbsp;

And finally, he will be publicly shamed. His actions will be publicized in a way that they reach the broader society.

Zhang's information and his punishment will be on television, newspapers and social media.

The PLA has publicly named and shamed several former soldiers in the past. Only a few forces can be said to be as Orwellian as the PLA.

An army that declares war against its own soldiers. There is no liberation from the people's liberation army.

The People's Liberation Army serves as an indoctrination tool of the Communist Party. Soldiers are forced to study communist writings to such a degree that they can recite them verbatim.

The People's Liberation Army serves as an indoctrination tool of the Communist Party. Soldiers are forced to study communist writings to such a degree that they can recite them verbatim. Every civilian is encouraged to emulate these soldiers by enrolling in the army. They are forced to undergo physically demanding recruit training. But what happens if someone refuses? What happens if someone decides to quit the PLA? The Chinese government makes sure to create trouble in their lives. This is the story of a man called Zhang Moukang. He was a university student from China's southern Hainan province. He joined the Chinese army and within a month, he wanted to leave. And this isn't a very old story, this happened in December 2019. The time when China was hiding the Wuhan virus. So Zhang wanted to quit. What happened next is a matter of record. It has been documented on the official English website of the PLA. The Chinese army made an example out of Zhang. He was subjected to eight different types of punishment. The punishments that every recruit planning to quit the army will face. Let's list them out: First, He will be branded as 'seriously discreditable'. They have such a list in China. The list of people who are 'seriously discreditable' in fulfilling national defence obligations. He will be banned from travelling abroad, purchasing real estate, from taking long-distance trains or buses, from even taking loans and insurance services. All of this will be for a period of two years. Punishment number two, which will be for life. He won't get a job as a civil servant. Not even a temporary assignment. He won't be recruited by government agencies or enterprises for life. Punishment number three, Your military service status will forever be changed to 'rejection of military service'. In China, this translates into the life-long stigma. Fourth punishment, he can't go back to college. For two years, will be forbidden from re-entering college. So he can't resume your studies. Fifth, no preferential treatment. That's something compulsory servicemen are entitled to. Those who quit, obviously don't get it. Sixth, he will be fined. A fine of 4,000 dollars plus reimbursement to the military worth 3,750 dollars. This is money he will have to pay for the costs incurred during your training. Even if he did not finish it. Seventh, he can't start any business. Not for two years at least. And finally, he will be publicly shamed. His actions will be publicized in a way that they reach the broader society. Zhang's information and his punishment will be on television, newspapers and social media. The PLA has publicly named and shamed several former soldiers in the past. Only a few forces can be said to be as Orwellian as the PLA. An army that declares war against its own soldiers. There is no liberation from the people's liberation army.

What happens if someone decides to quit the People's Liberation Army?

The Chinese parliament is expected to pass the bill at a major political conference this week amid mounting global fears that Beijing could take full control of the city.

WION Dispatch: Chinese army issues warning to Hong Kong protesters

Chinese troops have bolstered their border control measures in the Galwan Valley in the Aksai Chin region of the Sino-India border, official media here reported on Monday.

The Chinese action followed "India's recent, illegal construction of defence facilities across the border into Chinese territory in the Galwan Valley region," a write-up in the state-run Global Times tabloid said, quoting unnamed military sources.

"Since early May, India has been crossing the boundary line in the Galwan Valley region and entering Chinese territory.

"The Indian side built defence fortifications and obstacles to disrupt Chinese border defence troops' normal patrol activities," the report claimed.

There was no immediate reaction from either the Ministry of External Affairs or the Indian military.

A military official in New Delhi on condition of anonymity said such incidents happen along the un-demarcated Sino-India border due to the varying perceptions of the frontier by the two sides.

On May 5, around 250 Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed in Pangong Tso lake area in Eastern Ladakh.

Four days later, there was a similar face-off near Naku La Pass in North Sikkim.

Reacting to the two border incidents, India last week said it remained committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border with China noting that such incidents could have been avoided if there was common perception about the frontier.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on May 14 that India and China attach utmost importance to ensuring peace and tranquillity in all areas of Sino-India border regions and referred to an affirmation about it by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in their two informal summits.

"Occasionally, however, on account of difference in perception of the alignment of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided if we had a common perception of the Line of Control (LAC)," he said.

The LAC is the de-facto border between the two nations.

He further said, "The Indian side remains committed to the objective of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas."

When asked about the latest incidents, Indian Army chief Gen M M Naravane said the Indian troops were maintaining their "posture" along the border with China while infrastructure development in the areas was also on track.

"There were two incidents at Eastern Ladakh and North Sikkim where aggressive behaviour by both sides resulted in minor injuries to troops post which both sides disengaged after dialogue and interaction at the local level," he said last week.

The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in the Doklam tri-junction in 2017.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control, the de-facto border between the two countries.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it.

Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff.

During the summit, the two leaders decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding.

Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening bilateral ties.

Chinese troops have bolstered their border control measures in the Galwan Valley in the Aksai Chin region of the Sino-India border, official media here reported on Monday.

Chinese troops have bolstered their border control measures in the Galwan Valley in the Aksai Chin region of the Sino-India border, official media here reported on Monday. The Chinese action followed "India's recent, illegal construction of defence facilities across the border into Chinese territory in the Galwan Valley region," a write-up in the state-run Global Times tabloid said, quoting unnamed military sources. "Since early May, India has been crossing the boundary line in the Galwan Valley region and entering Chinese territory. "The Indian side built defence fortifications and obstacles to disrupt Chinese border defence troops' normal patrol activities," the report claimed. There was no immediate reaction from either the Ministry of External Affairs or the Indian military. A military official in New Delhi on condition of anonymity said such incidents happen along the un-demarcated Sino-India border due to the varying perceptions of the frontier by the two sides. On May 5, around 250 Indian and Chinese army personnel clashed in Pangong Tso lake area in Eastern Ladakh. Four days later, there was a similar face-off near Naku La Pass in North Sikkim. Reacting to the two border incidents, India last week said it remained committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border with China noting that such incidents could have been avoided if there was common perception about the frontier. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on May 14 that India and China attach utmost importance to ensuring peace and tranquillity in all areas of Sino-India border regions and referred to an affirmation about it by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in their two informal summits. "Occasionally, however, on account of difference in perception of the alignment of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided if we had a common perception of the Line of Control (LAC)," he said. The LAC is the de-facto border between the two nations. He further said, "The Indian side remains committed to the objective of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas." When asked about the latest incidents, Indian Army chief Gen M M Naravane said the Indian troops were maintaining their "posture" along the border with China while infrastructure development in the areas was also on track. "There were two incidents at Eastern Ladakh and North Sikkim where aggressive behaviour by both sides resulted in minor injuries to troops post which both sides disengaged after dialogue and interaction at the local level," he said last week. The troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in the Doklam tri-junction in 2017. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control, the de-facto border between the two countries. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it. Both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi held their first informal summit in April 2018 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, months after the Doklam standoff. During the summit, the two leaders decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding. Modi and Xi held their second informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai in October last year with a focus on further broadening bilateral ties.

Chinese military bolsters troops in Aksai Chin region in Sino-India border: Report

Here's Is What Happens If A Soldier Decides To Quit China's People's Liberation Army. #Gravitas #WIONGravitas #China #PLA

Gravitas: The exorbitant cost of quitting people's liberation army

Shocking video shows up Uighur Muslim prisoners shackled and blindfolded in Korla, Xinjiang, China

Shocking video shows hundreds of blindfolded and bound Uighur Muslims

Ahead of a massive military exercise planned along the China border by India, soldiers of Indian and Chinese Army were engaged in a face-off near the northern bank of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh but disengaged after talks between the two sides there.

Ladakh: Indian, Chinese soldiers engage in face-off near Pangong lake

Indian Army, PLA 'face-off' at Pangong Tso Lake: Why China eyes Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday while accusing Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warning against Taiwanese independence.

The first white paper since 2012 gives a rare insight into the world's largest army and Beijing's military ambitions.

"International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies".

The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability".

The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries".

War is evolving towards "intelligent warfare", the national security plan says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT".&nbsp;

China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to increase it by 7.5 per cent in 2019.

Despite the ambitious plans, it insists the Chinese army is a "staunch force for world peace".

But within its own borders, it is less sanguine, promising to "crackdown" on separatists in Xinjiang and Tibet.&nbsp;

Beijing is firmer still on the self-ruled island of Taiwan -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold.

"China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads. "China has the firm resolve and the ability to safeguard national sovereignty... and will never allow the secession of any part of its territory by anyone."

It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country.

"The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," is says.

The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing new generation destroyer vessels, fighter jets and ballistic missiles. 
&nbsp;

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday while accusing Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warning against Taiwanese independence.

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday while accusing Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warning against Taiwanese independence. The first white paper since 2012 gives a rare insight into the world's largest army and Beijing's military ambitions. "International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies". The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability". The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries". War is evolving towards "intelligent warfare", the national security plan says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT". China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to increase it by 7.5 per cent in 2019. Despite the ambitious plans, it insists the Chinese army is a "staunch force for world peace". But within its own borders, it is less sanguine, promising to "crackdown" on separatists in Xinjiang and Tibet. Beijing is firmer still on the self-ruled island of Taiwan -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold. "China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads. "China has the firm resolve and the ability to safeguard national sovereignty... and will never allow the secession of any part of its territory by anyone." It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country. "The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," is says. The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing new generation destroyer vessels, fighter jets and ballistic missiles.

China eyes high-tech army, says US undermines global stability

Ceremonial border personnel meetings on the occasion of "International Labour Day" were conducted at Chinese BPM huts at Moldo and TWT meeting points opposite eastern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

"The ceremonial border personnel meeting was marked by saluting the national flag by members of the delegations. This was followed by the ceremonial address by delegation leaders and exchange of greetings," Army PRO said in a statement.

Both sides reflected the mutual desire of maintaining peace,&nbsp;tranquillity and improving relations at functional level at the border areas.&nbsp;

On the occasion, a cultural programme was organised by the Chinese side which showcased its vibrant culture and traditions.

"Both the delegations interacted in a free, congenial and cordial environment. The delegations parted amidst a feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the border areas," the statement read.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Ceremonial border personnel meeting" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1434db66-675e-4c65-b5b8-d8c4be7d3321" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_1.jpg" />

<img alt="ceremonial border personnel meeting" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df073b1d-cd8d-4e32-a42d-340d867c0c33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_1.jpg" />

(Photo courtesy: WION)

Ceremonial border personnel meetings on the occasion of "International Labour Day" were conducted at Chinese BPM huts at Moldo and TWT meeting points opposite eastern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

Ceremonial border personnel meetings on the occasion of "International Labour Day" were conducted at Chinese BPM huts at Moldo and TWT meeting points opposite eastern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. "The ceremonial border personnel meeting was marked by saluting the national flag by members of the delegations. This was followed by the ceremonial address by delegation leaders and exchange of greetings," Army PRO said in a statement. Both sides reflected the mutual desire of maintaining peace, tranquillity and improving relations at functional level at the border areas. On the occasion, a cultural programme was organised by the Chinese side which showcased its vibrant culture and traditions. "Both the delegations interacted in a free, congenial and cordial environment. The delegations parted amidst a feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the border areas," the statement read. (Photo courtesy: WION)

Ladakh: Armies of India, China hold ceremonial border personnel meetings on International Labour Day

China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier completed its first sea trials and went back to a dock of Dalian Shipyard in northeast China's Liaoning Province Friday morning.

It is the country's second aircraft carrier but the first domestically-built one.

The sea trials started on May 13 which mainly tested the reliability and stability of the carrier's power system and other equipment.

Construction on the carrier has been carried out as planned since it was launched in April last year, and equipment debugging, outfitting and mooring tests were completed earlier to make it ready for the trial mission at sea.

The sea trials started on May 13 which mainly tested the reliability and stability of the carrier's power system and other equipment.

China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier completed its first sea trials and went back to a dock of Dalian Shipyard in northeast China's Liaoning Province Friday morning. It is the country's second aircraft carrier but the first domestically-built one. The sea trials started on May 13 which mainly tested the reliability and stability of the carrier's power system and other equipment. Construction on the carrier has been carried out as planned since it was launched in April last year, and equipment debugging, outfitting and mooring tests were completed earlier to make it ready for the trial mission at sea.

Watch: China's first indigenously built aircraft carrier completes sea test

China for the first time today launched a privately developed rocket the "Chongqing Liangjiang Star" with an eye towards sending a permanent manned space station into orbit by 2022.

OneSpace Technology, a Beijing-based private firm manufactured the rocket which was powered by solid fuel engine, company chairman Mao Chao said. The company aims to send 10 rocket missions by next year. "I hope we can become one of the biggest small-satellite launchers in the world," company founder Shu said.

The rocket has a 100 kg payload, significantly it uses energy-saving technology instead of internet power.&nbsp;

Chinese state media said One Space is the result of the Chinese government's effort to foster commercial space flight.

“We will develop bigger rockets in the future and participate in the global competition,” Shu added. Shu Chang added that his startup OneSpace mirrored Musk-controlled SpaceX.

The development of the Chinese military and space technology is one of President Xi's stated goals with the country spending millions of dollars on upgrading its various military hardware, including technology to power rockets, aircraft and drones.

The Chinese government tightly controls the development of space technology but the rise of OneSpace signals the country's intent to develop this space beyond government control more on the SpaceX and Jeff Bezos led-Blue Origin of the US.

Reports said the goal&nbsp;of the first flight of OneSpace was to collect data for a classified research project. 
&nbsp;

The rocket has a 100 kg payload, significantly it uses energy-saving technology instead of internet power.

China for the first time today launched a privately developed rocket the "Chongqing Liangjiang Star" with an eye towards sending a permanent manned space station into orbit by 2022. OneSpace Technology, a Beijing-based private firm manufactured the rocket which was powered by solid fuel engine, company chairman Mao Chao said. The company aims to send 10 rocket missions by next year. "I hope we can become one of the biggest small-satellite launchers in the world," company founder Shu said. The rocket has a 100 kg payload, significantly it uses energy-saving technology instead of internet power. Chinese state media said One Space is the result of the Chinese government's effort to foster commercial space flight. “We will develop bigger rockets in the future and participate in the global competition,” Shu added. Shu Chang added that his startup OneSpace mirrored Musk-controlled SpaceX. The development of the Chinese military and space technology is one of President Xi's stated goals with the country spending millions of dollars on upgrading its various military hardware, including technology to power rockets, aircraft and drones. The Chinese government tightly controls the development of space technology but the rise of OneSpace signals the country's intent to develop this space beyond government control more on the SpaceX and Jeff Bezos led-Blue Origin of the US. Reports said the goal of the first flight of OneSpace was to collect data for a classified research project.

Watch: In a first, China launches privately owned rocket, eyes space station in 2022

China on Sunday officially started conducted sea trial for its first indigenously-built aircraft carrier on Sunday.&nbsp

This is China's second carrier after the earlier vessel launched in&nbsp2012 which was mainly a Soviet-era refit.

The new aircraft carrier left the shipyard in northeastern Dalian at 6.45am, Xinhua reported. Reports said China is in the process of building larger carriers in the years to come as the race hots up between the US and China to dominate the seas worldwide.

"Our country's second aircraft carrier set sail from its dock in the Dalian shipyard for relevant waters to conduct a sea trial mission, mainly to inspect and verify the reliability and stability of mechanical systems and other equipment," Xinhua said.

President Xi who now is the undisputed leader of the Communist state is personally overseeing the modernisation of the armed forces as Chinese military aircrafts and Navy engage in waters across the South China Sea in the disputed Spratly Islands and off Taiwan which China considers as a breakaway nation.

China is reportedly building another aircraft carrier in Shanghai to rival the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Ronald Reagan. State media has quoted experts as saying that the country needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more.

The Chinese military is yet to name the new carrier which is temporarily called Type 001A weighing about 50,000 tonnes. The carrier is set to&nbspjoin the Chinese Navy in two years.

The new carrier will be able to host China's Shenyang J-15 fighter jets.

This is China's second carrier after the earlier vessel launched in 2012 which was mainly a Soviet-era refit.

China on Sunday officially started conducted sea trial for its first indigenously-built aircraft carrier on Sunday. This is China's second carrier after the earlier vessel launched in&nbsp2012 which was mainly a Soviet-era refit. The new aircraft carrier left the shipyard in northeastern Dalian at 6.45am, Xinhua reported. Reports said China is in the process of building larger carriers in the years to come as the race hots up between the US and China to dominate the seas worldwide. "Our country's second aircraft carrier set sail from its dock in the Dalian shipyard for relevant waters to conduct a sea trial mission, mainly to inspect and verify the reliability and stability of mechanical systems and other equipment," Xinhua said. President Xi who now is the undisputed leader of the Communist state is personally overseeing the modernisation of the armed forces as Chinese military aircrafts and Navy engage in waters across the South China Sea in the disputed Spratly Islands and off Taiwan which China considers as a breakaway nation. China is reportedly building another aircraft carrier in Shanghai to rival the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Ronald Reagan. State media has quoted experts as saying that the country needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more. The Chinese military is yet to name the new carrier which is temporarily called Type 001A weighing about 50,000 tonnes. The carrier is set to&nbspjoin the Chinese Navy in two years. The new carrier will be able to host China's Shenyang J-15 fighter jets.

Watch: After setting up indigenously-built aircraft carrier, China eyes bigger vessel

<div segoe="" style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33) font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, " ui="">The Line of Actual Control (LAC), a porous border separating India and China, continues to remain a cause of anxiety for New Delhi. And the reason for that is differing perceptions of the LAC in both the nations. While India, as always, wants to maintain the status quo along the border, China stakes claim to some of the territories in Arunachal Pradesh on the Indian side. 
&nbsp; 
These differences in perceptions have sharpened in the last few years due to infrastructure build-up by both India and China along the LAC. But the contrast is chilling. 
&nbsp; 
China has developed both civilian and military infrastructure along the LAC, and massively. But the Indian side - though it has created a new Corp of the Indian Army for the Eastern Front - still lacks basic infrastructure like telephone connectivity, roads or railways. The deployment of troops on the LAC from Indian side is dense but infrastructure remains absent. Many civilian areas are in fact unconnected. 
&nbsp; 
China has a railway station just 35km from the LAC. The nearest railway station on the Indian side is 200km away. A proposed railway station may bring down the distance to 150km but it still takes an Indian soldier deployed on the LAC more than 80 hours to reach the nearest railway station. 
&nbsp; 
Both the countries carry out long-range patrols to lay claims to the land. Any long-range patrol can take 20 to 28 days to complete. On an average, any unit on such patrol would cover 90km on foot. Rocks are marked and painted during these patrols. This constant painting and repainting have led to these rocks acquiring an inch thick of the coat. 
&nbsp; 
The stark difference between infrastructure development along the border can be attributed to the harsh weather condition on the Indian side. Many say that the weather on the Indian side is far wetter than on the Chinese side of the Himalayas. The connectivity of east and west bank of the Lohit river (a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra) is glaring. This problem has military implications. During hostilities, it can lead to troops being boxed in their own areas for long and will make an immediate rush to the spot on the other side next to impossible. 
&nbsp; 
When Indian and Chinese soldiers meet, evolved protocols kick into action, unlike the Line of Control (LoC), or the India-Pakistan border. The areas are designated and only fixed addresses are recorded on camera. Rest of the conversation takes place without it. Unlike eyeball to eyeball stand-off at LoC, the LAC witnesses non-violent stand-offs during patrols. 
&nbsp; 
India also faces another challenge. China has organised scattered communities along the LAC into single villages and built military installations adjoining them. The Indian side, on the other hand, has scattered population, which makes surveillance more difficult. 
&nbsp; 
In Kaho, the last Indian village before the LAC, any Indian phone with international roaming enabled can easily catch Chinese telecom network. This is not the case on the Indian side. The telephone towers of state-run BSNL are 40 to 50km away from the border. It makes intelligence gathering easy for the Chinese as its investment on LAC remains high tech and up to the mark.</div>

<div segoe="" style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33) font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, " ui=""><img alt="chinese-network-LAC.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="https://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/chinese-network-LAC.jpg" width="770" /> 
&nbsp; 
But the fact is that this is 2018 and not 1962. The Indian Army is well-deployed and well-stocked to meet any kind of situation. It has set up optical fibre network for its own communication in the border areas. Strong and long bridges have come on the Brahmaputra. Bhupen Hazarika bridge is one such example. It will allow tanks to ply if needed. A 1703-km-long trans-Arunachal Pradesh highway and inter-valley road is in the pipeline. Indian forces will remain more than a match for the Chinese military. According to assessment by the Indian Army, in case of hostilities, the human wave strategy deployed by the Chinese in 1962 will not be repeated. It will be more of shock and awe and missile oriented. 
&nbsp; 
There are no barbed wires on the LAC. There are bunkers and artillery deployed aimed at each other but guns have never boomed after 1962. Both sides intensely and continuously monitor each other and look for red flags. India knows that if Chinese troop movement takes place on the southern loop then it is a red flag and set of military counteraction would kick into force. The Chinese are&nbsp;monitoring the movement around Sela pass (in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh). 
&nbsp; 
The effort remains that the status quo of the border should not be breached. The LAC has been divided into disputed and sensitive areas. The disputed areas are those where both parties acknowledge the difference between position and sensitive where such divergence is not acknowledged at all. The sensitivity remains high and effort remains that local issues should not escalate to diplomatic levels. 
&nbsp; 
Doklam was one such incident when the local face-off got escalated and the matter had to be resolved diplomatically without provoking China. Politically, the matter has become even more sensitive to India after an extension of Xi Jinping's tenure. India's firm response in Doklam was to ensure that status quo is not altered. The deployment of Army on the LAC works on this principle. Even the deployment differs on the Line of Actual Control. In an 803-km-long LAC, deployments depend on the sector. Tawang sector is far more densely deployed than other areas owing to the sensitivity of the situation. 
&nbsp; 
India faces many challenges but opportunities are also immense. Arunachal Pradesh is one area in the Northeast, which is very nationalistic. Hindi unites people in the state. The response to LAC today cannot be a limited to military deployment. It requires a political action and vision. In Doklam it was proved that India will not allow status quo to change. It needs to show the same wisdom and vision inside its own border so that, these areas can be better integrated with the rest of India.</div>

The Line of Actual Control (LAC), a porous border separating India and China, continues to remain a cause of anxiety for New Delhi

The Line of Actual Control (LAC), a porous border separating India and China, continues to remain a cause of anxiety for New Delhi. And the reason for that is differing perceptions of the LAC in both the nations. While India, as always, wants to maintain the status quo along the border, China stakes claim to some of the territories in Arunachal Pradesh on the Indian side. These differences in perceptions have sharpened in the last few years due to infrastructure build-up by both India and China along the LAC. But the contrast is chilling. China has developed both civilian and military infrastructure along the LAC, and massively. But the Indian side - though it has created a new Corp of the Indian Army for the Eastern Front - still lacks basic infrastructure like telephone connectivity, roads or railways. The deployment of troops on the LAC from Indian side is dense but infrastructure remains absent. Many civilian areas are in fact unconnected. China has a railway station just 35km from the LAC. The nearest railway station on the Indian side is 200km away. A proposed railway station may bring down the distance to 150km but it still takes an Indian soldier deployed on the LAC more than 80 hours to reach the nearest railway station. Both the countries carry out long-range patrols to lay claims to the land. Any long-range patrol can take 20 to 28 days to complete. On an average, any unit on such patrol would cover 90km on foot. Rocks are marked and painted during these patrols. This constant painting and repainting have led to these rocks acquiring an inch thick of the coat. The stark difference between infrastructure development along the border can be attributed to the harsh weather condition on the Indian side. Many say that the weather on the Indian side is far wetter than on the Chinese side of the Himalayas. The connectivity of east and west bank of the Lohit river (a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra) is glaring. This problem has military implications. During hostilities, it can lead to troops being boxed in their own areas for long and will make an immediate rush to the spot on the other side next to impossible. When Indian and Chinese soldiers meet, evolved protocols kick into action, unlike the Line of Control (LoC), or the India-Pakistan border. The areas are designated and only fixed addresses are recorded on camera. Rest of the conversation takes place without it. Unlike eyeball to eyeball stand-off at LoC, the LAC witnesses non-violent stand-offs during patrols. India also faces another challenge. China has organised scattered communities along the LAC into single villages and built military installations adjoining them. The Indian side, on the other hand, has scattered population, which makes surveillance more difficult. In Kaho, the last Indian village before the LAC, any Indian phone with international roaming enabled can easily catch Chinese telecom network. This is not the case on the Indian side. The telephone towers of state-run BSNL are 40 to 50km away from the border. It makes intelligence gathering easy for the Chinese as its investment on LAC remains high tech and up to the mark. But the fact is that this is 2018 and not 1962. The Indian Army is well-deployed and well-stocked to meet any kind of situation. It has set up optical fibre network for its own communication in the border areas. Strong and long bridges have come on the Brahmaputra. Bhupen Hazarika bridge is one such example. It will allow tanks to ply if needed. A 1703-km-long trans-Arunachal Pradesh highway and inter-valley road is in the pipeline. Indian forces will remain more than a match for the Chinese military. According to assessment by the Indian Army, in case of hostilities, the human wave strategy deployed by the Chinese in 1962 will not be repeated. It will be more of shock and awe and missile oriented. There are no barbed wires on the LAC. There are bunkers and artillery deployed aimed at each other but guns have never boomed after 1962. Both sides intensely and continuously monitor each other and look for red flags. India knows that if Chinese troop movement takes place on the southern loop then it is a red flag and set of military counteraction would kick into force. The Chinese are monitoring the movement around Sela pass (in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh). The effort remains that the status quo of the border should not be breached. The LAC has been divided into disputed and sensitive areas. The disputed areas are those where both parties acknowledge the difference between position and sensitive where such divergence is not acknowledged at all. The sensitivity remains high and effort remains that local issues should not escalate to diplomatic levels. Doklam was one such incident when the local face-off got escalated and the matter had to be resolved diplomatically without provoking China. Politically, the matter has become even more sensitive to India after an extension of Xi Jinping's tenure. India's firm response in Doklam was to ensure that status quo is not altered. The deployment of Army on the LAC works on this principle. Even the deployment differs on the Line of Actual Control. In an 803-km-long LAC, deployments depend on the sector. Tawang sector is far more densely deployed than other areas owing to the sensitivity of the situation. India faces many challenges but opportunities are also immense. Arunachal Pradesh is one area in the Northeast, which is very nationalistic. Hindi unites people in the state. The response to LAC today cannot be a limited to military deployment. It requires a political action and vision. In Doklam it was proved that India will not allow status quo to change. It needs to show the same wisdom and vision inside its own border so that, these areas can be better integrated with the rest of India.

How India is fortifying LAC in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China's belligerence

Every time a Left government takes power in Nepal, old concerns and fears are expressed in India and Nepal about how the government will manage its relations with its giant neighbours. All Left parties once in power have called for a sweeping review of bilateral relations between India and Nepal, especially on the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship and recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas in the Indian Army. In 1996, Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari of CPN UML initiated this process. At that time, China was not a big player in the region. Further, Nepal was a constitutional monarchy governed by the 1990 constitution where King exercised real power.

When Maoists assumed power, they tried to subvert democratic institutions of state to establish a People&rsquo;s Republic but were thwarted by democratic forces.

This is the first time a Left Alliance government -a CPN UML and Maoist Centre -have combined People&rsquo;s Democracy and Maoist ideology to form the merged Nepal Communist Party. Two-term Prime Minister KP Oli is viewed as pro-China especially after the blockade of 2015, and the alleged dismantling of his government by India in August 2016. Oli is the first Prime Minister to ever sign a ten-point agreement with China as a backlash to the blockade which includes a trade and transit treaty and use of Chinese ports. But Oli is also an old friend of India and has studied the geography of politics carefully. His intention to deepen ties with China affords options to leverage India, precisely what Prachanda said in his first term &ndash; &lsquo;we need China to balance India&rsquo;.

Another issue every Left government has sought to review with India is the question of Nepali citizens recruiting into the Indian Army by a tripartite treaty including the UK in 1947. The Maoists&rsquo;20-point representation to the government in 2000 included the question of recruitment. But as always, it is such an emotional and sensitive issue among Nepal&rsquo;s soldiering community and an apparent thorn in the side of the nationalists that it has invariably had to be dropped due to acute joblessness in Nepal. One-third of Nepal&rsquo;s population lives and works abroad and remittances make up for 25 per cent of government revenue. 40,000 Nepali soldiers are serving in the Indian Army and more than 5 lakh Indian ex-servicemen community in Nepal are a strong pro-India strategic constituency in Nepal. India-Nepal Armies have very special relations and their Army Chiefs are honorary Generals in each other&rsquo;s armies.

The Chinese have been pushing Nepal to have deeper ties with the Chinese Army and break the Gorkha connection with India. In 2017 for the first time, a small joint Nepal China training exercise was held. The Chinese have increased military aid to Nepal ten times and are responsible for the training of the armed police force and also the police.

The prescient founder of modern Nepal, King Prithvinarayan Shah had observed that Nepal is a yam between two big boulders. When this ground reality is tempered with history, geography, religion, culture, and proximity, the Chinese realise they have a long way to go towards equivalence with India, notwithstanding the allure of Belt and Road Initiative including grandiose plans for connectivity. Using their economic wealth,&nbsp; the Chinese have magnified their political influence dramatically despite citing &ldquo;political interference in the internal affairs of other countries&rdquo; as taboo. &nbsp;Beijing played a major role in forging the Left Alliance and the Nepal Communist Party. If the government survives five years, a new stable Nepal is in the making. Incidentally, an India-Nepal Eminent Persons Group is already working on a review of bilateral relations for the last two years.

Meanwhile, India will nurture the democratic forces and support the new government so long as its key security concerns are red-lined. Nepal can no longer be taken for granted as the political landscape has changed and for the present, the Chinese are in the driver&rsquo;s seat.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Using their economic wealth, the Chinese have magnified their political influence dramatically despite citing “political interference in the internal affairs of other countries” as taboo.

Every time a Left government takes power in Nepal, old concerns and fears are expressed in India and Nepal about how the government will manage its relations with its giant neighbours. All Left parties once in power have called for a sweeping review of bilateral relations between India and Nepal, especially on the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship and recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas in the Indian Army. In 1996, Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari of CPN UML initiated this process. At that time, China was not a big player in the region. Further, Nepal was a constitutional monarchy governed by the 1990 constitution where King exercised real power. When Maoists assumed power, they tried to subvert democratic institutions of state to establish a People’s Republic but were thwarted by democratic forces. This is the first time a Left Alliance government -a CPN UML and Maoist Centre -have combined People’s Democracy and Maoist ideology to form the merged Nepal Communist Party. Two-term Prime Minister KP Oli is viewed as pro-China especially after the blockade of 2015, and the alleged dismantling of his government by India in August 2016. Oli is the first Prime Minister to ever sign a ten-point agreement with China as a backlash to the blockade which includes a trade and transit treaty and use of Chinese ports. But Oli is also an old friend of India and has studied the geography of politics carefully. His intention to deepen ties with China affords options to leverage India, precisely what Prachanda said in his first term – ‘we need China to balance India’. Another issue every Left government has sought to review with India is the question of Nepali citizens recruiting into the Indian Army by a tripartite treaty including the UK in 1947. The Maoists’20-point representation to the government in 2000 included the question of recruitment. But as always, it is such an emotional and sensitive issue among Nepal’s soldiering community and an apparent thorn in the side of the nationalists that it has invariably had to be dropped due to acute joblessness in Nepal. One-third of Nepal’s population lives and works abroad and remittances make up for 25 per cent of government revenue. 40,000 Nepali soldiers are serving in the Indian Army and more than 5 lakh Indian ex-servicemen community in Nepal are a strong pro-India strategic constituency in Nepal. India-Nepal Armies have very special relations and their Army Chiefs are honorary Generals in each other’s armies. The Chinese have been pushing Nepal to have deeper ties with the Chinese Army and break the Gorkha connection with India. In 2017 for the first time, a small joint Nepal China training exercise was held. The Chinese have increased military aid to Nepal ten times and are responsible for the training of the armed police force and also the police. The prescient founder of modern Nepal, King Prithvinarayan Shah had observed that Nepal is a yam between two big boulders. When this ground reality is tempered with history, geography, religion, culture, and proximity, the Chinese realise they have a long way to go towards equivalence with India, notwithstanding the allure of Belt and Road Initiative including grandiose plans for connectivity. Using their economic wealth, the Chinese have magnified their political influence dramatically despite citing “political interference in the internal affairs of other countries” as taboo. Beijing played a major role in forging the Left Alliance and the Nepal Communist Party. If the government survives five years, a new stable Nepal is in the making. Incidentally, an India-Nepal Eminent Persons Group is already working on a review of bilateral relations for the last two years. Meanwhile, India will nurture the democratic forces and support the new government so long as its key security concerns are red-lined. Nepal can no longer be taken for granted as the political landscape has changed and for the present, the Chinese are in the driver’s seat. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: With China in control, India can't take Nepal for granted

The number of transgressions by the Chinese Army into the Indian territory rose to 426 in 2017 from the 273 in 2016, the government said Monday.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the transgressions have occurred due to the differing perception of the two counties of the Line of Actual Control.

&quot;In the year 2017, the number of transgressions was 426 as against 273 in the year 2016,&quot; he said.

The minister said the government takes up incidents of transgressions with the Chinese side through an established mechanism.

India and China share a nearly 4,000 km-long border.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

In December, a Chinese road construction team had come nearly one kilometre into the Indian territory in Upper Siangin, Arunachal Pradesh, but went back after they were told to do so by the Indian security personnel.

Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said last month that the time has come for the country to shift focus from the western frontier to the northern one.

To a separate question, Mr Bhamre said China&#39;s defence budget is larger than the defence budget of India.

He said the budgetary allocations for defence depend on the size of the economy.

Referring to the situation on the northern border, he said the Indian Army is fully seized of the military needs of the country.

India and China share a nearly 4,000 km-long border

The number of transgressions by the Chinese Army into the Indian territory rose to 426 in 2017 from the 273 in 2016, the government said Monday. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the transgressions have occurred due to the differing perception of the two counties of the Line of Actual Control. "In the year 2017, the number of transgressions was 426 as against 273 in the year 2016," he said. The minister said the government takes up incidents of transgressions with the Chinese side through an established mechanism. India and China share a nearly 4,000 km-long border. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28. In December, a Chinese road construction team had come nearly one kilometre into the Indian territory in Upper Siangin, Arunachal Pradesh, but went back after they were told to do so by the Indian security personnel. Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said last month that the time has come for the country to shift focus from the western frontier to the northern one. To a separate question, Mr Bhamre said China's defence budget is larger than the defence budget of India. He said the budgetary allocations for defence depend on the size of the economy. Referring to the situation on the northern border, he said the Indian Army is fully seized of the military needs of the country.

Chinese incursions into India rose in 2017: Government study

President Xi presented Wang Zeshan, 82, with the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award at a ceremony in Beijing.&nbsp;

Born in China&#39;s Jilin Province in 1935 which was under Japanese occupation, Zeshan has been responsible for propping up the People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) with weapons to tackle Taiwan and India&#39;s military on the China border, and vastly enhancing its gunpowder charges.

He has done major work in propellants and explosives technology and credited with improving the firing range of Chinese artillery. The dynamite specialist was the first to develop technology for reusing obsolete explosives, China&#39;s Xinhua news agency noted.

China&#39;s top science award winner is a professor with Nanjing University of Science &amp; Technology and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.&nbsp;

Zeshan continues to challenge himself despite spending over 60 years in developing new technologies, his new goal involves manufacturing of smokeless powder which he says &quot;hasn&#39;t been solved since it emerged more than 100 years ago.&quot;

China has applied Zeshan&#39;s research in several weapons especially in the long-range Guardian launch rocket system.

Zeshan has been responsible for propping up the People's Liberation Army with weapons to tackle Taiwan and India's military on the China border

President Xi presented Wang Zeshan, 82, with the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award at a ceremony in Beijing. Born in China's Jilin Province in 1935 which was under Japanese occupation, Zeshan has been responsible for propping up the People's Liberation Army (PLA) with weapons to tackle Taiwan and India's military on the China border, and vastly enhancing its gunpowder charges. He has done major work in propellants and explosives technology and credited with improving the firing range of Chinese artillery. The dynamite specialist was the first to develop technology for reusing obsolete explosives, China's Xinhua news agency noted. China's top science award winner is a professor with Nanjing University of Science & Technology and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Zeshan continues to challenge himself despite spending over 60 years in developing new technologies, his new goal involves manufacturing of smokeless powder which he says "hasn't been solved since it emerged more than 100 years ago." China has applied Zeshan's research in several weapons especially in the long-range Guardian launch rocket system.

Wang Zeshan - 'master of gunpowder' - wins China's top science award

In the backdrop of the 73-day- long Dokalam standoff, the Army has decided to significantly ramp up road infrastructure along <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-welcomes-modis-not-a-single-bullet-fired-along-sino-india-border-remark-16447">the Sino-India border </a>and tasked its Corps of Engineers to vigorously work on it to ensure swift movement of troops whenever necessary. Official sources said the Corps of Engineers (CoE) has already initiated a series of steps including placing orders for latest versions of various mountain cutting and road laying machines and equipment besides procuring assault tracks for fast movement of troops.

The sources said the Army headquarters ordered over 1,000 dual track mine detectors to enhance Corps of Engineers&rsquo; mine detection capability.

Over 100 excavators with latest features are also being procured to increase the existing capability of the engineers to lay operational track along mountainous regions in Northern sector.

The sources said over 50 short span bridges and a sizeable number of assault tracks for quick movement are also being procured to increase their mobility.

India and China share a 4,000-km-long border. The 237-year-old CoE provides key combat engineering support and maintains connectivity in key border regions for speedy movement of troops and artillery.

As per the plan, the Army engineers will initially lay roads in mountainous terrains and if necessary they will be further strengthened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

In 2005, the Border Road Organisation was asked to construct 73 roads in the strategically important regions along the Sino-India border but there has been huge delay in implementation of the project which has apparently left the Army unhappy.

They said enhancing infrastructure along the sensitive borders is part of the government&rsquo;s overall strategy to boost combat readiness of the armed forces. The first company of CoE was raised in 1780 and the organization celebrated its raising day on November 18.

The Army has been focusing on enhancing infrastructure along the Sino-India border following the Dokalam standoff.

Soon after the face-off ended, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had expressed serious concern over China&rsquo;s &ldquo;muscle flexing&rdquo; and said these conflicts can expand into an all-out war.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army.

The face-off ended on August 28.

Recently, the Army has also finalized one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernization under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines, and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore.

In the backdrop of the 73-day- long Dokalam standoff, the Army has decided to significantly ramp up road infrastructure along the Sino-India border and tasked its Corps of Engineers to vigorously work on it to ensure swift movement of troops whenever necessary

In the backdrop of the 73-day- long Dokalam standoff, the Army has decided to significantly ramp up road infrastructure along the Sino-India border and tasked its Corps of Engineers to vigorously work on it to ensure swift movement of troops whenever necessary. Official sources said the Corps of Engineers (CoE) has already initiated a series of steps including placing orders for latest versions of various mountain cutting and road laying machines and equipment besides procuring assault tracks for fast movement of troops. The sources said the Army headquarters ordered over 1,000 dual track mine detectors to enhance Corps of Engineers’ mine detection capability. Over 100 excavators with latest features are also being procured to increase the existing capability of the engineers to lay operational track along mountainous regions in Northern sector. The sources said over 50 short span bridges and a sizeable number of assault tracks for quick movement are also being procured to increase their mobility. India and China share a 4,000-km-long border. The 237-year-old CoE provides key combat engineering support and maintains connectivity in key border regions for speedy movement of troops and artillery. As per the plan, the Army engineers will initially lay roads in mountainous terrains and if necessary they will be further strengthened by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). In 2005, the Border Road Organisation was asked to construct 73 roads in the strategically important regions along the Sino-India border but there has been huge delay in implementation of the project which has apparently left the Army unhappy. They said enhancing infrastructure along the sensitive borders is part of the government’s overall strategy to boost combat readiness of the armed forces. The first company of CoE was raised in 1780 and the organization celebrated its raising day on November 18. The Army has been focusing on enhancing infrastructure along the Sino-India border following the Dokalam standoff. Soon after the face-off ended, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had expressed serious concern over China’s “muscle flexing” and said these conflicts can expand into an all-out war. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28. Recently, the Army has also finalized one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernization under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines, and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore.

Doklam standoff: Army takes steps for swift troop movement along China border

China&#39;s state-run news agency Xinhua said today Chinese warships carried out live fire drills in the Indian Ocean.

Xinhua said Chinese ships were involved in a fire drill in the western part of the Indian Ocean, Reuters reported.

The fire drills could be part of anti-piracy patrols off Somalia and Yemen often carried out by Chinese ships, India has however expressed concern over Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. The Chinese military did not clarify the reason behind the drills, Reuters said.

Not only the Navy, the Chinese Air Force has been active over South and the East China Sea.

Chinese Defense ministry in a statement said: &quot;No matter what obstructions are encountered, the Chinese air force will carry on as before; no matter who flies with us, the Chinese air force will fly a lot and as normal!&quot;.

Taiwan, an ally of US has been at loggerheads with Beijing since it does not recognise Taiwan&#39;s independent government. China has been carrying out air drills for the past several months, in a blunt message China&#39;s defense ministry said,&quot;No amount of interference or shadowing of its aircraft will stop the Chinese air force from carrying out long-range drills.&quot;

A few weeks ago <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-surveillance-planes-fly-close-to-taiwan-18967">two Chinese military surveillance </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-surveillance-planes-fly-close-to-taiwan-18967">aircrafts</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-surveillance-planes-fly-close-to-taiwan-18967"> flew close to Taiwan&#39;s air defense</a> identification zone(ADIZ). The surveillance aircrafts Shaanxi Y-8 flew northeast through the Bashi Channel to the south and later flew over the Miyako Strait. Taiwan has now detected Chinese air activity on at least four occasions this month.

Japan too is concerned after Chinese jets reportedly flew close to its islands.&nbsp;

&quot;It was the first time we have recorded Chinese military aircraft flying this route,&quot; minister of defence Itsunori Onodera said.&nbsp;

&quot;We expressed our concern through diplomatic channels,&quot; he added.

Japan has been trying to fend off hostile activity in the Korean peninsula with North Korea increasingly flexing its military muscle in the region and with increased Chinese activity, the region is seen as a volatile area beset with super power games

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-conduct-joint-military-drill-in-hokkaido-19035">Japan and US conducted a joint military </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-conduct-joint-military-drill-in-hokkaido-19035">excercise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-conduct-joint-military-drill-in-hokkaido-19035"> two weeks </a>- the largest-scale military drill to be held between the two countries as the region continued to be in turmoil.&nbsp;

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The fire drills could be part of anti-piracy patrols off Somalia and Yemen often carried out by Chinese ships

China's state-run news agency Xinhua said today Chinese warships carried out live fire drills in the Indian Ocean. Xinhua said Chinese ships were involved in a fire drill in the western part of the Indian Ocean, Reuters reported. The fire drills could be part of anti-piracy patrols off Somalia and Yemen often carried out by Chinese ships, India has however expressed concern over Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. The Chinese military did not clarify the reason behind the drills, Reuters said. Not only the Navy, the Chinese Air Force has been active over South and the East China Sea. Chinese Defense ministry in a statement said: "No matter what obstructions are encountered, the Chinese air force will carry on as before; no matter who flies with us, the Chinese air force will fly a lot and as normal!". Taiwan, an ally of US has been at loggerheads with Beijing since it does not recognise Taiwan's independent government. China has been carrying out air drills for the past several months, in a blunt message China's defense ministry said,"No amount of interference or shadowing of its aircraft will stop the Chinese air force from carrying out long-range drills." A few weeks ago two Chinese military surveillance aircrafts flew close to Taiwan's air defense identification zone(ADIZ). The surveillance aircrafts Shaanxi Y-8 flew northeast through the Bashi Channel to the south and later flew over the Miyako Strait. Taiwan has now detected Chinese air activity on at least four occasions this month. Japan too is concerned after Chinese jets reportedly flew close to its islands. "It was the first time we have recorded Chinese military aircraft flying this route," minister of defence Itsunori Onodera said. "We expressed our concern through diplomatic channels," he added. Japan has been trying to fend off hostile activity in the Korean peninsula with North Korea increasingly flexing its military muscle in the region and with increased Chinese activity, the region is seen as a volatile area beset with super power games Japan and US conducted a joint military excercise two weeks - the largest-scale military drill to be held between the two countries as the region continued to be in turmoil.

Chinese warships conduct live fire drills in Indian Ocean, Air Force active over Taiwan, Japan

Amid the Doklam standoff and the recent Pangong skirmish, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will pay a three-day visit to Ladakh, beginning on Sunday, to review the security scenario in eastern Ladakh.

During the visit, he will take stock of the security preparedness along the border with China besides, discussing key operational matters with top commanders.

The visit comes days after Indian and Chinese boat patrols clashed at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, even as the People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) declined the Indian invitation to participate in ceremonial border meetings on the occasion of India&#39;s 71st Independence Day.

This was the first time since 2005 that the PLA has declined to meet with their Indian counterpart.

Indian and Chinese boat patrols clashed with each other at Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh on Tuesday, at 7:30 am near the Finger-6 part of the 135-km long lake, one-third of which is in Indian control and the rest under Chinese control.

It was earlier reported that the brief standoff led to jostling and exchange of blows between soldiers of the two armies; but, no shots were fired though.

However, during a press briefing here on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, while confirming the Pangong skirmish, said, that he does not affirm if there was stone pelting or use of rods during the incident.

The visit comes days after Indian and Chinese boat patrols clashed at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh

Amid the Doklam standoff and the recent Pangong skirmish, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will pay a three-day visit to Ladakh, beginning on Sunday, to review the security scenario in eastern Ladakh. During the visit, he will take stock of the security preparedness along the border with China besides, discussing key operational matters with top commanders. The visit comes days after Indian and Chinese boat patrols clashed at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, even as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) declined the Indian invitation to participate in ceremonial border meetings on the occasion of India's 71st Independence Day. This was the first time since 2005 that the PLA has declined to meet with their Indian counterpart. Indian and Chinese boat patrols clashed with each other at Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh on Tuesday, at 7:30 am near the Finger-6 part of the 135-km long lake, one-third of which is in Indian control and the rest under Chinese control. It was earlier reported that the brief standoff led to jostling and exchange of blows between soldiers of the two armies; but, no shots were fired though. However, during a press briefing here on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, while confirming the Pangong skirmish, said, that he does not affirm if there was stone pelting or use of rods during the incident.

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to begin three-day visit to Ladakh on Sunday

The United States said on Friday that it wants India and China to have a dialogue over the Dokalam stand-off.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s a situation that we have certainly followed closely,&quot; US state department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference.&nbsp;

&quot;As you know, we have relationships with both governments. We continue to encourage both parties to sit down and have conversations about that. And I&#39;ll just leave it at that,&quot; Nauert added.

Tensions are high as India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area for the last 50 days.

The stand-off ensued after &nbsp;Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from constructing a road in the region.&nbsp;

Tensions are high as India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area for the last 50 days

The United States said on Friday that it wants India and China to have a dialogue over the Dokalam stand-off. "It's a situation that we have certainly followed closely," US state department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference. "As you know, we have relationships with both governments. We continue to encourage both parties to sit down and have conversations about that. And I'll just leave it at that," Nauert added. Tensions are high as India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area for the last 50 days. The stand-off ensued after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from constructing a road in the region.

Dokalam stand-off: US calls for India-China dialogue

The Indian Army has said that it is in a &#39;no war, no peace&#39; mode against the Chinese military in Dokalam and status quo remains in the region.

The no war, no peace mode refers to a confrontation or face-off position with enemies.&nbsp;

Official sources told PTI that there has been no particular movement of troops and weapons from the Indian Army&#39;s side in the region. The sources said whatever &quot;movement&quot;&nbsp;is taking place is for maintenance purposes.&nbsp;

We are in no war no peace mode in Dokalam, the sources said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doklam-stand-off-after-chinas-veiled-threat-india-says-coordinating-with-bhutan-18610" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;After China&#39;s veiled threat, India says coordinating with Bhutan</a>

The sources told PTI that there has been no enhancement of troops on the India-Bhutan-China trijunction.&nbsp;

India and China have been in a stand-off in Dokalam for the last 50 days after Indian Army stopped Chinese troops from building a road in the region.&nbsp;

China claims that it was building the road within its territory and has been demanding a pull-out of the Indian Army from Dokalam. Bhutan and China both lay claim on Dokalam,&nbsp;

Sources told PTI that there has been no enhancement of troops on the India-Bhutan-China trijunction

The Indian Army has said that it is in a 'no war, no peace' mode against the Chinese military in Dokalam and status quo remains in the region. The no war, no peace mode refers to a confrontation or face-off position with enemies. Official sources told PTI that there has been no particular movement of troops and weapons from the Indian Army's side in the region. The sources said whatever "movement" is taking place is for maintenance purposes. We are in no war no peace mode in Dokalam, the sources said. Also read: After China's veiled threat, India says coordinating with Bhutan The sources told PTI that there has been no enhancement of troops on the India-Bhutan-China trijunction. India and China have been in a stand-off in Dokalam for the last 50 days after Indian Army stopped Chinese troops from building a road in the region. China claims that it was building the road within its territory and has been demanding a pull-out of the Indian Army from Dokalam. Bhutan and China both lay claim on Dokalam,

Dokalam stand-off: Indian army in 'no war, no peace' mode against China

Amid the ongoing military standoff between India and China at the Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector, China&rsquo;s military said it has conducted live-fire exercises in Tibet.

The drills continued for 11 hours at an altitude of 5,000 metres on the plateau in Southwest China&rsquo;s Tibet Autonomous Region, state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

The live-fire exercises included the troops&rsquo; quick delivery, use of anti-tank grenades and missiles.

CCTV said the exercise was conducted by a brigade, which was part of the Tibet Military Command of the People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA). It is part of China&rsquo;s two plateau mountain brigades.

According to the report by CCTV, the brigade has long been stationed around the middle and lower reaches of the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo in Chinese) River which flows into India and Bangladesh.

During the exercise, the Chinese soldiers tested new equipment including tanks, Xinhua news agency said.

This video, said to show the military exercise, was shared by China Plus News on Twitter.&nbsp;

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chinese?src=hash">#Chinese</a> Army has recently carried out a military exercise on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tibet?src=hash">#Tibet</a> plateau, conducting live firing at a height of 5,100 meters. <a href="https://t.co/REv5BXuuO4">pic.twitter.com/REv5BXuuO4</a>
&mdash; China Plus News (@ChinaPlusNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaPlusNews/status/886788490469318657">July 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doka La area near the Bhutan tri-junction for over a month.

Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.

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China has carried out a live-fire drill on the Tibet plateau, deploying one of two brigades it has on the plateau. The exercise involved mobile artillery along with missile forces and some infantry (WION)
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The drills continued for 11 hours at an altitude of 5,000 metres on the plateau in Southwest China?s Tibet Autonomous Region, state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported

Amid the ongoing military standoff between India and China at the Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector, China’s military said it has conducted live-fire exercises in Tibet. The drills continued for 11 hours at an altitude of 5,000 metres on the plateau in Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported. The live-fire exercises included the troops’ quick delivery, use of anti-tank grenades and missiles. CCTV said the exercise was conducted by a brigade, which was part of the Tibet Military Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). It is part of China’s two plateau mountain brigades. According to the report by CCTV, the brigade has long been stationed around the middle and lower reaches of the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo in Chinese) River which flows into India and Bangladesh. During the exercise, the Chinese soldiers tested new equipment including tanks, Xinhua news agency said. This video, said to show the military exercise, was shared by China Plus News on Twitter. The #Chinese Army has recently carried out a military exercise on the #Tibet plateau, conducting live firing at a height of 5,100 meters. pic.twitter.com/REv5BXuuO4 — China Plus News (@ChinaPlusNews) July 17, 2017 × China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doka La area near the Bhutan tri-junction for over a month. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. China has carried out a live-fire drill on the Tibet plateau, deploying one of two brigades it has on the plateau. The exercise involved mobile artillery along with missile forces and some infantry (WION) ×

Chinese army conduct live-fire drills in Tibet

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