Amid tensions along the Line of Control(LAC) with India, China adopted a law to strengthen border protection.

The new law was adopted by Chinese lawmakers. It seeks to "strengthen border defence" and support economic and social development.

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The law states the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity is "sacred and inviolable". The new law reportedly provides provisions to open up the border areas and improve public services and infrastructure.

It also seeks to "promote coordination between border defence and social, economic development in border areas," China's Xinhua news agency reported.

According to Xinhua, the law seeks the "principle of equality, mutual trust and friendly consultation" while handling "land border related-affairs with neighbouring countries through negotiations to properly resolve disputes and longstanding border issues."

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Reports say the new law will come into effect from January 1, 2022. China shares its 22,000-km long border with 14 countries.

The law states China will take "measures to safeguard territorial integrity and land boundaries and guard against and combat any act that undermines territorial sovereignty and land boundaries."

China's latest move comes even PLA soldiers are locked in a standoff with Indian troops along the LAC since last year. In June last year, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan Valley leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and four PLA soldiers, although reports claimed the casualties on the Chinese side was higher.

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Although, China had declared its intention to deescalate earlier this year, however, reports claim China has&nbsp;continued to amass troops and has built border roads and fortifications along the LAC.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions along the Line of Control(LAC) with India, China adopted a law to strengthen border protection. The new law was adopted by Chinese lawmakers. It seeks to "strengthen border defence" and support economic and social development.

Amid tensions along the Line of Control(LAC) with India, China adopted a law to strengthen border protection. The new law was adopted by Chinese lawmakers. It seeks to "strengthen border defence" and support economic and social development. Also Read: China has been breaching Nepal-China border rules in Humla The law states the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity is "sacred and inviolable". The new law reportedly provides provisions to open up the border areas and improve public services and infrastructure. It also seeks to "promote coordination between border defence and social, economic development in border areas," China's Xinhua news agency reported. According to Xinhua, the law seeks the "principle of equality, mutual trust and friendly consultation" while handling "land border related-affairs with neighbouring countries through negotiations to properly resolve disputes and longstanding border issues." Also Read| China has been aggressor along Himalayan border, says US diplomat Reports say the new law will come into effect from January 1, 2022. China shares its 22,000-km long border with 14 countries. The law states China will take "measures to safeguard territorial integrity and land boundaries and guard against and combat any act that undermines territorial sovereignty and land boundaries." China's latest move comes even PLA soldiers are locked in a standoff with Indian troops along the LAC since last year. In June last year, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan Valley leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and four PLA soldiers, although reports claimed the casualties on the Chinese side was higher. Also Read| India border issues: Strategy beyond talkathon to deal with China Although, China had declared its intention to deescalate earlier this year, however, reports claim China has continued to amass troops and has built border roads and fortifications along the LAC. (With inputs from Agencies)

China's new law seeks to 'strengthen border defence'

India has accused China of taking unilateral attempts to try and alter the status quo in agreement with the bilateral agreements. Mohammad Saleh talks to Sidhant Sibbal to bring you the details.

Indian Army accuses Chinese PLA of violating protocols

The 13th round of India-China corps commander talks has ended the talks began at 10:30 am on Sunday and were held in Moldo on the Chinese side of the LAC in eastern Ladakh. The Indian and Chinese military leaders met after a 2-month gap.

13th round of India-China corps commander talks have ended

China has put in place new modular container-based accommodations for its troops in several high-altitude forward areas on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in response to Indian deployment in the region, people familiar with the developments said on Monday.

The shelters were installed in locations near Tashigong, Manza, Hot Springs and Churup among others, in reflection of simmering tensions between the two sides in the region, they said.

The people cited above said China's People Liberation Army has been feeling the heat of the Indian response to its "misadventure" in the region last year and that the Chinese military has been forced to go for long deployments and boost infrastructure in the region.

They said the Indian response to the Chinese actions last year, particularly after the Galwan Valley clashes, surprised the neighbouring country and that it deployed troops in areas where it never used to earlier.

"Our strategy is hurting them. They are reacting to our response. We have forced PLA to go for forward deployment and boost infrastructure," said one of the people.

They said the new deployments are appearing to be affecting the morale of the Chinese troops as they were not used to operate in such difficult terrain.

The new container-based accommodations were built in addition to the additional military camps that the Chinese military had set up following the escalation in tension between the two sides last year.

The people said India is also ramping up construction of tunnels, bridges roads and other critical infrastructure in eastern Ladakh and other areas along the nearly 3,500-km LAC.

They said China is also significantly enhancing its airbases and air defence units near the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

The border row escalated after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 last year.

Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in the clashes that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades.

In February, China officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clashes with the Indian Army though it is widely believed that the death toll was higher.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in Gogra area last month.

In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector.

China has put in place new modular container-based accommodations for its troops in several high-altitude forward areas on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in response to Indian deployment in the region, people familiar with the developments said on Monday.

China has put in place new modular container-based accommodations for its troops in several high-altitude forward areas on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in response to Indian deployment in the region, people familiar with the developments said on Monday. The shelters were installed in locations near Tashigong, Manza, Hot Springs and Churup among others, in reflection of simmering tensions between the two sides in the region, they said. The people cited above said China's People Liberation Army has been feeling the heat of the Indian response to its "misadventure" in the region last year and that the Chinese military has been forced to go for long deployments and boost infrastructure in the region. They said the Indian response to the Chinese actions last year, particularly after the Galwan Valley clashes, surprised the neighbouring country and that it deployed troops in areas where it never used to earlier. "Our strategy is hurting them. They are reacting to our response. We have forced PLA to go for forward deployment and boost infrastructure," said one of the people. They said the new deployments are appearing to be affecting the morale of the Chinese troops as they were not used to operate in such difficult terrain. The new container-based accommodations were built in addition to the additional military camps that the Chinese military had set up following the escalation in tension between the two sides last year. The people said India is also ramping up construction of tunnels, bridges roads and other critical infrastructure in eastern Ladakh and other areas along the nearly 3,500-km LAC. They said China is also significantly enhancing its airbases and air defence units near the LAC in eastern Ladakh. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. The border row escalated after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 last year. Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in the clashes that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades. In February, China officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clashes with the Indian Army though it is widely believed that the death toll was higher. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in Gogra area last month. In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector.

China installs new shelters for troops near India's Ladakh border

A popular Chinese clothing line created a stir after it came out with kid-sized T-shirts bearing depictions of Indian people being shot and phrases such as “welcome to hell” and “let me touch you”.

JNBY&nbsp;came under heavy criticism after people shared the photos of the controversial pieces produced by the company on Chinese microblogging website Weibo.

The Hongkong-listed company apologised and took down the clothes from the shelves after a mother’s online complaint went viral.

“Welcome to hell. Excuse me? Who are you welcoming?", the mother wrote on social media platform Weibo.

While another user wondered whether the company was promoting any inappropriate behaviour.

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“’Let me touch you?’ Is the designer promoting paedophilia?”

Whereas a black coat allegedly had an image of a person being shot by arrows, along with the words: "The whole place is full of Indians. I will take this gun and blow them to pieces.”

JNBY apologised on Thursday, saying that it received complaints involving products with “inappropriate patterns” on its children's apparel line.

"We have immediately pulled all the related product series from our shelves, revoked relevant publicity material, and set up a specialised group to investigate internally,” the brand said in a statement on Weibo.

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JNBY, a popular designer label founded in 1994 and headquartered in Hangzhou, added that it had also opened channels for refunds and apologised to buyers.

It reported net profits of around 624 million yuan ($96.6 million) for the most recent financial year.

Many users were unmoved by JNBY's expression of remorse.

"This is not a problem that can be solved with an apology," one argued.

A parent wrote that older family members who didn't speak English had bought the clothing for their child without understanding the meanings.

(With inputs from agencies)

A popular Chinese clothing line created a stir after it came out with kid-sized T-shirts bearing depictions of Indian people being shot and phrases such as “welcome to hell” and “let me touch you”.

A popular Chinese clothing line created a stir after it came out with kid-sized T-shirts bearing depictions of Indian people being shot and phrases such as “welcome to hell” and “let me touch you”. JNBY came under heavy criticism after people shared the photos of the controversial pieces produced by the company on Chinese microblogging website Weibo. The Hongkong-listed company apologised and took down the clothes from the shelves after a mother’s online complaint went viral. “Welcome to hell. Excuse me? Who are you welcoming?", the mother wrote on social media platform Weibo. While another user wondered whether the company was promoting any inappropriate behaviour. Also read | France says UK's Boris Johnson offered to 're-establish cooperation' “’Let me touch you?’ Is the designer promoting paedophilia?” Whereas a black coat allegedly had an image of a person being shot by arrows, along with the words: "The whole place is full of Indians. I will take this gun and blow them to pieces.” JNBY apologised on Thursday, saying that it received complaints involving products with “inappropriate patterns” on its children's apparel line. "We have immediately pulled all the related product series from our shelves, revoked relevant publicity material, and set up a specialised group to investigate internally,” the brand said in a statement on Weibo. Also read | Evergrande investors in dark as no news on interest payment emerges JNBY, a popular designer label founded in 1994 and headquartered in Hangzhou, added that it had also opened channels for refunds and apologised to buyers. It reported net profits of around 624 million yuan ($96.6 million) for the most recent financial year. Many users were unmoved by JNBY's expression of remorse. "This is not a problem that can be solved with an apology," one argued. A parent wrote that older family members who didn't speak English had bought the clothing for their child without understanding the meanings. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese clothing brand faces heat over inappropriate messages, anti-India depictions printed on kids' shirts

New Delhi wants to block Chinese investors from buying shares in Indian insurance giant Life Insurance Corp (LIC) which is due to go public, four senior government officials and a banker told Reuters, underscoring tensions between the two nations.

State-owned LIC is considered a strategic asset, commanding more than 60% of India`s life insurance market with assets of more than $500 billion. While the government is planning to allow foreign investors to participate in what is likely to be the country`s biggest-ever IPO worth a potential $12.2 billion, it is leery of Chinese ownership, the sources said.

Political tensions between the countries rocketed last year after their soldiers clashed on the disputed Himalayan border and since then, India has sought to limit Chinese investment in sensitive companies and sectors, banned a raft of Chinese mobile apps and subjected imports of Chinese goods to extra scrutiny.

"With China after the border clashes it cannot be business as usual. The trust deficit has significantly widen(ed)," said one of the government officials, adding that Chinese investment in companies like LIC could pose risks.

The sources declined to be identified as discussions on how Chinese investment might be blocked are ongoing and as no final decisions have been made.

India`s finance ministry and LIC did not respond to Reuters emailed requests for comment. China`s foreign ministry and commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Aiming to solve budget constraints, Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration is hoping to raise 900 billion rupees through selling 5% to 10% of LIC this financial year which ends in March.

The government has yet to decide on whether it will sell one tranche of shares seeking to raise the full amount or choose to seek the funds in two tranches, sources have said.

Under current law, no overseas investors can invest in LIC but the government is considering allowing foreign institutional investors to buy up to 20% of LIC`s offering.

Options to prevent Chinese investment in LIC include amending the current law on foreign direct investment with a clause that relates to LIC or creating a new law specific to LIC, two of the government officials said.

They added that the government was conscious of the difficulty in checking on Chinese investments that could come indirectly and would attempt to craft a policy that would protect India`s security but not deter overseas investors.

A third option being explored is barring Chinese investors from becoming cornerstone investors in the IPO, said one government official and the banker, although that would not prevent Chinese investors from buying shares in the secondary market.

Ten investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and SBI Capital Market have been chosen to handle the offering.

New Delhi wants to block Chinese investors from buying shares in Indian insurance giant Life Insurance Corp (LIC) which is due to go public, four senior government officials and a banker told Reuters, underscoring tensions between the two nations.

New Delhi wants to block Chinese investors from buying shares in Indian insurance giant Life Insurance Corp (LIC) which is due to go public, four senior government officials and a banker told Reuters, underscoring tensions between the two nations. State-owned LIC is considered a strategic asset, commanding more than 60% of India`s life insurance market with assets of more than $500 billion. While the government is planning to allow foreign investors to participate in what is likely to be the country`s biggest-ever IPO worth a potential $12.2 billion, it is leery of Chinese ownership, the sources said. Political tensions between the countries rocketed last year after their soldiers clashed on the disputed Himalayan border and since then, India has sought to limit Chinese investment in sensitive companies and sectors, banned a raft of Chinese mobile apps and subjected imports of Chinese goods to extra scrutiny. "With China after the border clashes it cannot be business as usual. The trust deficit has significantly widen(ed)," said one of the government officials, adding that Chinese investment in companies like LIC could pose risks. The sources declined to be identified as discussions on how Chinese investment might be blocked are ongoing and as no final decisions have been made. India`s finance ministry and LIC did not respond to Reuters emailed requests for comment. China`s foreign ministry and commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Aiming to solve budget constraints, Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration is hoping to raise 900 billion rupees through selling 5% to 10% of LIC this financial year which ends in March. The government has yet to decide on whether it will sell one tranche of shares seeking to raise the full amount or choose to seek the funds in two tranches, sources have said. Under current law, no overseas investors can invest in LIC but the government is considering allowing foreign institutional investors to buy up to 20% of LIC`s offering. Options to prevent Chinese investment in LIC include amending the current law on foreign direct investment with a clause that relates to LIC or creating a new law specific to LIC, two of the government officials said. They added that the government was conscious of the difficulty in checking on Chinese investments that could come indirectly and would attempt to craft a policy that would protect India`s security but not deter overseas investors. A third option being explored is barring Chinese investors from becoming cornerstone investors in the IPO, said one government official and the banker, although that would not prevent Chinese investors from buying shares in the secondary market. Ten investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and SBI Capital Market have been chosen to handle the offering.

India likely to block Chinese investment in insurance giant LIC's IPO

In a significant step towards disengagement, India and China after 12th round of military level talks have ceased forward deployments at the key patrol point PP17A, also known as the Gogra Post, in eastern Ladakh.

India, China disengage from Gogra Post after 12th round of talks

Pakistan is no longer India's biggest defence priority. Close to 200,000 soldiers are now deployed to watch the border with China. This is the biggest deployment along the China border in Indian history.

Gravitas: India now has close to 200,000 soldiers on the China border

Chinese state-sponsored hackers have at least one connection still open into the network system of an Indian port.

A report in Bloomberg, citing United States-based cyber security firm Recorded Future, reported on Wednesday that a China-linked group&nbsp;was targetting India’s power sector through an exchange of traffic, between itself and the Indian port.&nbsp;

Recorded Future had first notified India about this breach on February 10, identifying 10 Indian power sector organisations and two ports as being targetted.

They believe these are Chinese state-sponsored attacks. And give two reasons to support it.&nbsp;

Firstly, it was India's critical infrastructure. And there's only one country who would want to cripple it.

And secondly, they've spotted a pattern. These hackers use the same infrastructure that the Chinese government does.&nbsp;

To this end, India says none of its critical infrastructure was compromised.

However, according to Recorded Future, more such attacks cannot be ruled out.

They on Thursday said such attacks by Chinese hackers could continue this year.

Cyber ops is now very much a part of China's arsenal. And Beijing wants to use technology to further its strategic goals.

INDIA'S OPTIONS

Silence is definitely not one of India's options.

Experts behind this assessment say such attacks are now happening on a daily basis. And silence of the governments will only embolden countries like China.

Transparency will win here.

Microsoft has also said that it caught China hacking. And yet again it's a "state sponsored group operating out of China".

What were they doing?

These Chinese hackers apparently tried to breach Microsoft's mail and calendar server programme.

The US has now issued a emergency warning. And a software upgrade is being pushed to fight any vulnerabilities.

Government officers must download and install it by Friday.

China is on the offensive, and the target is critical -- IT infrastructure of other governments&nbsp; 
From US to India, everyone is vulnerable.

First the coronavirus, and now the cyber attacks -- countries like China have made borders redundant.

And one can only predict -- the next pandemic could be in the cyberworld.

Chinese state-sponsored hackers have at least one connection still open into the network system of an Indian port. A report in Bloomberg, citing United States-based cyber security firm Recorded Future, reported on Wednesday that a China-linked group was targetting India’s power sector through an exchange of traffic, between itself and the Indian port.

Chinese state-sponsored hackers have at least one connection still open into the network system of an Indian port. A report in Bloomberg, citing United States-based cyber security firm Recorded Future, reported on Wednesday that a China-linked group was targetting India’s power sector through an exchange of traffic, between itself and the Indian port. Recorded Future had first notified India about this breach on February 10, identifying 10 Indian power sector organisations and two ports as being targetted. They believe these are Chinese state-sponsored attacks. And give two reasons to support it. Firstly, it was India's critical infrastructure. And there's only one country who would want to cripple it. And secondly, they've spotted a pattern. These hackers use the same infrastructure that the Chinese government does. To this end, India says none of its critical infrastructure was compromised. However, according to Recorded Future, more such attacks cannot be ruled out. They on Thursday said such attacks by Chinese hackers could continue this year. Cyber ops is now very much a part of China's arsenal. And Beijing wants to use technology to further its strategic goals. INDIA'S OPTIONS Silence is definitely not one of India's options. Experts behind this assessment say such attacks are now happening on a daily basis. And silence of the governments will only embolden countries like China. Transparency will win here. Microsoft has also said that it caught China hacking. And yet again it's a "state sponsored group operating out of China". What were they doing? These Chinese hackers apparently tried to breach Microsoft's mail and calendar server programme. The US has now issued a emergency warning. And a software upgrade is being pushed to fight any vulnerabilities. Government officers must download and install it by Friday. China is on the offensive, and the target is critical -- IT infrastructure of other governments From US to India, everyone is vulnerable. First the coronavirus, and now the cyber attacks -- countries like China have made borders redundant. And one can only predict -- the next pandemic could be in the cyberworld.

Chinese hackers are still targetting one Indian port

Did China engage in Cyber warfare against India? A study claims Chinese hackers targeted India's power grid through malware. While another report says state-backed hackers targeted two Indian vaccine makers.

Gravitas: Is China engaging in cyber warfare against India?

India and China held the tenth round of military talks on Saturday to further push the disengagement process in the eastern Ladakh region. The 10th round of Corps Commander-level talks comes two days after the militaries of both the nations completed the withdrawal of forces and weaponry from the North and South banks of Pangong.

India China Border Tension: 10th Round of military talks over

After a months-long stand-off that began last April, India and China have agreed to disengage at the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh.

China vacating military camps along Pangong Tso; Here are the first images

The Chinese military is also vacating Finger 4 area which it had occupied last year and changed the status quo at the LAC with India.

India-China disengagement: Dismantling structures between finger 4-8 underway

The Ministry of Defence in a statement on Friday said its forces were able to prevent "any unilateral change in status quo' at the line of actual control (LAC) by Beijing -- a day Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh detailed the India-China disengagement at the Pangong Lake.

In an extensive statement to "set the record straight" in the backdrop of criticism by the Congress party, the defence ministry said, "India has not conceded any territory as a result of this agreement and effective safeguarding of our national interest and territory in the Eastern Ladakh sector has taken place because the government has reposed full faith in the capabilities of the armed forces."

As part of the disengagement at the northern bank of Pangong, the Chinese will move to the east of Finger 8, while Indian forces will be present at the Dhan Singh Thapa post near Finger 3. Under the agreement, there will be no patrolling in the area from Finger 3 to Finger 8 until further talks happen on the issue. No forward deployment will happen, and any permanent structures built by two sides from April, 2020 will be removed &nbsp;

The defence ministry statement added, "India has persistently maintained the right to patrol up to Finger 8, including in the current understanding with China"

Once the disengagement at Pangong is over, withing 48 hours the senior commanders from both sides will meet to address disengagement at Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in Eastern Ladakh. That will be the 10th round of such military talks to defuse the tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;

Both sides had nine rounds of talks last month during which the Pangong Lake disengagement was decided.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Defence in a statement on Friday said its forces were able to prevent "any unilateral change in status quo' at the line of actual control (LAC) by Beijing -- a day Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh detailed the India-China disengagement at the Pangong Lake.

The Ministry of Defence in a statement on Friday said its forces were able to prevent "any unilateral change in status quo' at the line of actual control (LAC) by Beijing -- a day Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh detailed the India-China disengagement at the Pangong Lake. In an extensive statement to "set the record straight" in the backdrop of criticism by the Congress party, the defence ministry said, "India has not conceded any territory as a result of this agreement and effective safeguarding of our national interest and territory in the Eastern Ladakh sector has taken place because the government has reposed full faith in the capabilities of the armed forces." As part of the disengagement at the northern bank of Pangong, the Chinese will move to the east of Finger 8, while Indian forces will be present at the Dhan Singh Thapa post near Finger 3. Under the agreement, there will be no patrolling in the area from Finger 3 to Finger 8 until further talks happen on the issue. No forward deployment will happen, and any permanent structures built by two sides from April, 2020 will be removed The defence ministry statement added, "India has persistently maintained the right to patrol up to Finger 8, including in the current understanding with China" Once the disengagement at Pangong is over, withing 48 hours the senior commanders from both sides will meet to address disengagement at Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in Eastern Ladakh. That will be the 10th round of such military talks to defuse the tensions between the two countries. Both sides had nine rounds of talks last month during which the Pangong Lake disengagement was decided.

India says it prevented unilateral change of status quo at LAC

Indian govt on Friday said it has 'not conceded any territory as a result of the agreement finalised with China for disengagement of troops in Pangong lake areas in eastern Ladakh'. Amid Disengagement activity around the LAC, the major opposition party Congress claimed that PM has compromised India's integrity and gave away territory to China.

Indian Govt Says 'Not conceded any territory to China'

India: Union defence minister Rajnath Singh will make a statement in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow about the situation in Eastern Ladakh, where India is engaged in a standoff with China.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to address Rajya Sabha over Ladakh situation tomorrow

Two things are absolutely clear -- India has not succumbed to Chinese threats, and China only understands the language of strength.

The border provocation in Galwan was perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades. It was unprecedented -- in terms of its scale, planning and intent.

As many as 20 indian soldiers were killed in action. And the Chinese were fully prepared for further escalation.

The pandemic had dented Beijing's image, and Xi Jinping was on a shaky wicket. He desperately needed a geopolitical maneuver to bolster his image.

But he underestimated India's strength and resolve. In the past, India acquiesced to China.

But now, India stands its ground. From Doklam in 2017 to Ladakh in 2020, India has refused to appease China -- unlike its other smaller neighbours.

India has made specific pre-conditions for normalising ties, and used the same policy it has used on Pakistan for decades.

If talks and terror can't go hand in hand, neither can border aggression and business.

On the military front, India ensured it won't be caught off guard again.

From Galwan to Spanggur to Depsang, India ramped up its defences, activated its entire logistics network, matched China's military deployments, and secured its frontiers.

By October, 40,000 Indian troops were braving the freezing temperatures in eastern Ladakh.

To add to that, India ensured that the special frontier force spearheaded the operation, a force which had Tibetans fighting for India.

Thousands of Tibetans have made India their home since the Dalai Lama was forced into exile.

India hit China where it hurt the most. Then we come to the economic front.

India weaponised its market, curbed the flow of Chinese cash in the Indian economy. It started by amending its FDI policy to curb opportunistic takeovers.

In 2019, the fund inflows from Chinese companies in India was 229 million dollars.

By September, 2020, it had declined by 28.48 per cent to 163 million dollars.

India carried out what's been called a digital strike. It banned Chinese apps -- a move that reduced China's influence on the internet economy.

Last we checked, India had banned at least 200 Chinese apps. This provided a model for other countries to do the same - America and Japan for instance.

Then, India extended anti-dumping duty on a range of products from China. Mostly on anti-bacterial drugs and Chinese steel.

This impacted the price of Chinese products coming to India, and adversely affected profits for Chinese manufacturers.

India also challenged China's Pharma supremacy, and began nursing the world -- from Afghanistan to Egypt; from South Africa to Brazil.

An array of countries received the 'Made in India' vaccine -- as a result of which, the Chinese state media was so rattled that it began accusing India of smearing its efforts.

India's vaccine diplomacy clearly outfoxed China's wolf warrior diplomacy.

India also strengthened its security co-operation, primarily through the Quad -- the quadrilateral security dialogue -- a strategic alliance between the US, Japan, Australia and India.

This is to counter China's aggressive military expansionism.

The group is set to meet soon.

India also held multiple important naval exercises with an eye on China.

China President Xi Jinping hoped that he could simply wear India down.

But India outsmarted and isolated China on all fronts -- militarily, economically, and diplomatically. It understood the gap between China's words and actions and kept the pressure on for full disengagement.

Simply put, India called China's bluff, and dealt with Beijing in the only language it understands -- the language of strength.

Two things are absolutely clear -- India has not succumbed to Chinese threats, and China only understands the language of strength. The border provocation in Galwan was perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades.

Two things are absolutely clear -- India has not succumbed to Chinese threats, and China only understands the language of strength. The border provocation in Galwan was perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades. It was unprecedented -- in terms of its scale, planning and intent. As many as 20 indian soldiers were killed in action. And the Chinese were fully prepared for further escalation. The pandemic had dented Beijing's image, and Xi Jinping was on a shaky wicket. He desperately needed a geopolitical maneuver to bolster his image. But he underestimated India's strength and resolve. In the past, India acquiesced to China. But now, India stands its ground. From Doklam in 2017 to Ladakh in 2020, India has refused to appease China -- unlike its other smaller neighbours. India has made specific pre-conditions for normalising ties, and used the same policy it has used on Pakistan for decades. If talks and terror can't go hand in hand, neither can border aggression and business. On the military front, India ensured it won't be caught off guard again. From Galwan to Spanggur to Depsang, India ramped up its defences, activated its entire logistics network, matched China's military deployments, and secured its frontiers. By October, 40,000 Indian troops were braving the freezing temperatures in eastern Ladakh. To add to that, India ensured that the special frontier force spearheaded the operation, a force which had Tibetans fighting for India. Thousands of Tibetans have made India their home since the Dalai Lama was forced into exile. India hit China where it hurt the most. Then we come to the economic front. India weaponised its market, curbed the flow of Chinese cash in the Indian economy. It started by amending its FDI policy to curb opportunistic takeovers. In 2019, the fund inflows from Chinese companies in India was 229 million dollars. By September, 2020, it had declined by 28.48 per cent to 163 million dollars. India carried out what's been called a digital strike. It banned Chinese apps -- a move that reduced China's influence on the internet economy. Last we checked, India had banned at least 200 Chinese apps. This provided a model for other countries to do the same - America and Japan for instance. Then, India extended anti-dumping duty on a range of products from China. Mostly on anti-bacterial drugs and Chinese steel. This impacted the price of Chinese products coming to India, and adversely affected profits for Chinese manufacturers. India also challenged China's Pharma supremacy, and began nursing the world -- from Afghanistan to Egypt; from South Africa to Brazil. An array of countries received the 'Made in India' vaccine -- as a result of which, the Chinese state media was so rattled that it began accusing India of smearing its efforts. India's vaccine diplomacy clearly outfoxed China's wolf warrior diplomacy. India also strengthened its security co-operation, primarily through the Quad -- the quadrilateral security dialogue -- a strategic alliance between the US, Japan, Australia and India. This is to counter China's aggressive military expansionism. The group is set to meet soon. India also held multiple important naval exercises with an eye on China. China President Xi Jinping hoped that he could simply wear India down. But India outsmarted and isolated China on all fronts -- militarily, economically, and diplomatically. It understood the gap between China's words and actions and kept the pressure on for full disengagement. Simply put, India called China's bluff, and dealt with Beijing in the only language it understands -- the language of strength.

China only understands the language of strength. And India so knows it

India's former Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale expresses uncertainty over the positive disengagement by the Chinese troops at LAC. He says 'Based on the past incidents with China, it becomes very difficult to put faith in the intentions behind the disengagement'.

'We will judge Chinese by their actions not by word' says India's Ex-envoy to China Gautam Bambawale

The made-in-India Koo app is set to get rid of its Chinese investor as social media users have started raising questions over the app's Beijing connection.

The app has, in a matter of few days, gained considerable traction&nbsp;as ministers are moving on to the desi microblogging platform. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-grown-koo-to-get-rid-of-chinese-connection-app-co-founder-confirms-362903">Also read | Indian Twitter-like micro-blogging platform Koo witnesses surge in popularity</a>

Koo was founded in March 2020 by Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka. It was one of the winners of Aatmanirbhar App challenge 2020.

Koo co-founder Aprameya, to this end, tweeted to confirm that Chinese investor Shunwei Capital, a small stakeholder of the company at present, will soon leave the app, and that its respective stakes are being bought by other companies.

"Koo is an India registered company with Indian founders. Raised earlier capital 2.5 years ago. Latest funds for Bombinate Technologies is led by a truly Indian investor 3one4 capital. Shunwei (single digit shareholder) which had invested in our Vokal journey will be exiting fully," he posted on Twitter.

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Koo is an India registered company with Indian founders. Raised earlier capital 2.5 years ago. Latest funds for Bombinate Technologies is led by a truly Indian investor 3one4 capital. Shunwei (single digit shareholder) which had invested in our Vokal journey will be exiting fully
— Aprameya R (@aprameya) <a href="https://twitter.com/aprameya/status/1359501894779953158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The increased promotion of Koo came about as India and San Francisco-headquartered Twitter engaged in a face-off over the latter's "inaction" to take action against account "inciting genocide". Koo got a shot in the arm as some government departments, including the ministry of electronics and information technology, opened their accounts on it, and remained active ever since.

To this end, a Chinese investor on board stood to harm the image of the homegrown app. To fight it, however, Koo managed to raise about ₹30 crore fund from investors.

The new app saw a huge load in the past few days in what is being called as 'Koo coup'.&nbsp;"We have got more love than we expected. Our systems are facing more load than ever. Thank you for placing your trust in us. Our team is working on overdrive to fix it. We request your patience and support through this time," Aprameya tweeted.

The made-in-India Koo app is set to get rid of its Chinese investor as social media users have started raising questions over the app's Beijing connection. The app has, in a matter of few days, gained considerable traction as ministers are moving on to the desi microblogging platform.

The made-in-India Koo app is set to get rid of its Chinese investor as social media users have started raising questions over the app's Beijing connection. The app has, in a matter of few days, gained considerable traction as ministers are moving on to the desi microblogging platform. Also read | Indian Twitter-like micro-blogging platform Koo witnesses surge in popularity Koo was founded in March 2020 by Aprameya Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka. It was one of the winners of Aatmanirbhar App challenge 2020. Koo co-founder Aprameya, to this end, tweeted to confirm that Chinese investor Shunwei Capital, a small stakeholder of the company at present, will soon leave the app, and that its respective stakes are being bought by other companies. "Koo is an India registered company with Indian founders. Raised earlier capital 2.5 years ago. Latest funds for Bombinate Technologies is led by a truly Indian investor 3one4 capital. Shunwei (single digit shareholder) which had invested in our Vokal journey will be exiting fully," he posted on Twitter. Koo is an India registered company with Indian founders. Raised earlier capital 2.5 years ago. Latest funds for Bombinate Technologies is led by a truly Indian investor 3one4 capital. Shunwei (single digit shareholder) which had invested in our Vokal journey will be exiting fully — Aprameya R (@aprameya) February 10, 2021 × The increased promotion of Koo came about as India and San Francisco-headquartered Twitter engaged in a face-off over the latter's "inaction" to take action against account "inciting genocide". Koo got a shot in the arm as some government departments, including the ministry of electronics and information technology, opened their accounts on it, and remained active ever since. To this end, a Chinese investor on board stood to harm the image of the homegrown app. To fight it, however, Koo managed to raise about ₹30 crore fund from investors. The new app saw a huge load in the past few days in what is being called as 'Koo coup'. "We have got more love than we expected. Our systems are facing more load than ever. Thank you for placing your trust in us. Our team is working on overdrive to fix it. We request your patience and support through this time," Aprameya tweeted.

India-grown 'Koo' to get rid of Chinese connection, app co-founder confirms

Following the announcement of the disengagement agreement on the northern and western banks of Pangong Tso Lake, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that Beijing would place its troops east of Finger 8, while India would put its troops on its permanent base at Finger 3.

India-China begin disengagement on banks of Pangong Tso lake along the LAC

The Chinese and Indian armed forces at the south and north banks of the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh have started disengagement simultaneously; confirmed sources

India, China begin disengagement at Pangong Tso in Ladakh: Sources

The stand-off between China and India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in January 2021, saw the ninth round of military commanders level talks. But it made no worthwhile headway, like all other talks at various levels, in past.&nbsp;

Various clauses pulled out by diplomatic community of both countries, in terms of ‘Five Point Consensus’ or ‘Three Mutuals and Eight points’ were more like old wine in new bottle, taken out of graveyard of old Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between the two countries, where Chinese buried all of them in May 2020.

Beijing entered February 2021 with Indian forces well entrenched at existing positions in the stand-off, prepared for all contingencies, with Chinese garrison South of Pangong Tso becoming vulnerable to Indian occupation of heights on Kailash range. With lack of trust between the two countries, the Chinese are also concerned that any pull back can lead to Indians occupying some important features vacated by them, which can be a political disaster for CCP.

The Indian concerns include extra kilometrage with China in Depsang, Finger 4 to 8 and other areas, restrictions on patrolling, vulnerability of DS-DBO road. Hence, commencing business as usual with China, at this juncture will de facto alter LAC, which will add one more chapter to avoidable historical errors for India. Both sides continue to reinforce their positions, infrastructure development to improve sustainability of troops and to thwart next move of adversary.

What are China and India aiming for in Ladakh in 2021?

Chinese political aim of forcing Indian subordination couldn’t be achieved, despite its adventurism in Ladakh, but will remain unchanged in future. Chinese strategic aim in Eastern Ladakh was to provide depth to its National Highway G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw Line of Actual Control (LAC) as per its perception and negotiate border on their terms thereafter. China can claim to have partially achieved it, through illegal occupation of some extra kilometrage in Eastern Ladakh, but at the cost of newly created vulnerabilities for itself South of Pangong Tso.

The discomfort China faces can be attributed to many factors -- including Indian dispositions in Sub Sector North including DBO, infrastructure development including DSDBO road, viewed as a threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity. The Chinese aim of preventing Indian infrastructure development hasn’t been achieved, as both sides continue development of infrastructure in areas they perceive to be theirs.

Chinese future strategic aim in 2021 is likely to be to hold on to its gains, and get Indian troops out of Kailash Range. The approach of talks to reach an agreement for disengagement and de-escalation based on mutual and equal security, are aimed to make Indians pull back from Kailash range in exchange of PLA pulling back slightly from some unimportant areas.&nbsp;

A military action post winters to evict Indian Army from Kailash Range by China cannot be ruled out, but the option is marred with a major risk of loss of face for Xi Jinping, as a military defeat is the last thing which he would like to face, that too in centenary of formulation of CCP. PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations will continue to be East Ladakh and actions along rest of LAC will be to increase the cost of stand-off for India, and strengthen its bargaining position.

Indian aim should be to not concede unilateral shift of LAC as LAC-2020, be prepared for ‘Two Front War’ as a worst case scenario, and continue capacity building accordingly. The talks should continue, but by any strategic calculations, I do not see China conceding to Indian official demand of pulling back to pre-April 2020 positions through talks.&nbsp;

With such operational compulsions, commencement of some tactical probing actions, and resultant patrol clashes are likely, as we improve infrastructure in 2021. In light of no major breakthrough till the 22nd round of China-India border talks, I do not expect any worthwhile development on delineation, delimitation and demarcation of LAC. As long as the LAC is not demarcated, a temporary solution will only postpone the next standoff and may lead to LOCisation of LAC.&nbsp;

The Chinese will like to keep border unsettled till the time the political cost of not settling it, becomes higher than doing so, for CCP, China.

Infrastructure offensive

The Chinese have taken an unprecedented lead in infrastructure development along LAC in past, which is gainfully being utilised to create pressure on India all along the LAC. Sinicisation of Tibet, as part of ‘Strategy of Three Evils’, has been its old strategy, but a new dimension of infrastructure offensive has been added to its strategy to construct over 400 villages along LAC, and develop to settle pro-Beijing population to pursue encroachment. It will thus help in shifting claim lines on negotiating table. China will continue to try encroaching Bhutanese land to create more space in Chumbi Valley, to threaten the Siliguri corridor.

India will also have to adopt an infrastructure counter strategy. It's recommended that states/UTs along LAC should allot land to security forces like Ladakh SCOUTS, Garhwal, Kumaon, Sikkim, Arunachal SCOUTS, ITBP, SSB, other security forces and families hailing from that area (on son of soil concept), ready to settle in villages so constructed, along own perception of LAC, as the Chinese are doing. This will improve inclusive growth and integration, besides proof of our claims on border. This will have to continue along with other infrastructure development including road, rail, airstrips and communications along LAC.

External factors

US President Joe Biden’s first major foreign policy speech on February 4, 2021, has clearly indicated that USA is in no mood to give walkover to China, which he named as most serious competitor. Linking it with earlier statements of Biden’s Administration indicate no change in Indo-US global strategic partnership and common agenda in Indo-Pacific. It indicates strong military posturing in Indo-Pacific by US to counter Chinese expansion, resulting into Beijing's commitment of military assets at multiple friction points -- hence an option for India in Indian Ocean and various chokepoints.&nbsp;

This will remain a major factor of consideration for Beijing in enlarging its scope and dimension of standoff into any possible military confrontation.

The ongoing stand-off at LAC, Chinese compulsion of pushing BRI/CPEC through, has further increased the strategic relevance of Pakistan for China.&nbsp;

Beijing has increased its efforts to develop military capability of Islamabad, and use it, along with its terror potential, should its national interest demand so. This brings out a long term threat to India in terms of ‘two-front war’. The recent Chinese backing of Myanmar military in UNSC, regarding the recent coup indicates some additional leverages, which can be helpful in Chinese attempt to re-ignite insurgency in north-eastern India, although given the level of integration, it may not be as easy, as it was few decades back.

What should Indian response be?

India needs to adopt multi-pronged strategy. Preparing for ‘two front war’ is not a choice, but a compulsion, although it may/may not happen in 2021. The only way to avoid it is to convince the potential adversaries that it is capable of fighting it successfully and pose multiple front for the Chinese. This convincing has to be backed by building capability to do so.&nbsp;

India seems to be working on it with unprecedented speed, fast tracking procurements and boosting indigenous production of necessary equipment through ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’, besides a tough stance by forces on borders.

China will attempt to convince India to delink border issue with trade and other engagements. India will have to hold its ground, not to run into any quick fix solution, as these issues are inseparable. For many decades, many foreign policy pundits have been trying to pursue 'rest of relationship' sidelining border issue, going slow on capability development of military, expecting soldiers to protect territorial integrity on un-demarcated LAC by pushing each other without firing.&nbsp;

Patrol clashes like the one in Naku La, (Sikkim) last month indicates the need to revisit responses, as scuffles can lead to another Galwan-like episode; hence, we need to ensure that right to fire in self-defence is assured to own troops, despite intent for peace.

India needs to be prepared to pose a threat to Chinese vulnerabilities in maritime domain in collaboration with other friendly navies. In any future escalation, the strategy should be to draw PLA Navy, out of its comfort zone in South China Sea to Indian Ocean, where it’s Sea lines of Communications (SLOC) face maximum vulnerability.

(The author can be reached at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on twitter, and personnel site -- https://asthanawrites.org. He can also be reached at shashiasthana29@gmail.com)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The stand-off between China and India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in January 2021, saw the ninth round of military commanders level talks. But it made no worthwhile headway, like all other talks at various levels, in past.

The stand-off between China and India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in January 2021, saw the ninth round of military commanders level talks. But it made no worthwhile headway, like all other talks at various levels, in past. Various clauses pulled out by diplomatic community of both countries, in terms of ‘Five Point Consensus’ or ‘Three Mutuals and Eight points’ were more like old wine in new bottle, taken out of graveyard of old Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between the two countries, where Chinese buried all of them in May 2020. Beijing entered February 2021 with Indian forces well entrenched at existing positions in the stand-off, prepared for all contingencies, with Chinese garrison South of Pangong Tso becoming vulnerable to Indian occupation of heights on Kailash range. With lack of trust between the two countries, the Chinese are also concerned that any pull back can lead to Indians occupying some important features vacated by them, which can be a political disaster for CCP. The Indian concerns include extra kilometrage with China in Depsang, Finger 4 to 8 and other areas, restrictions on patrolling, vulnerability of DS-DBO road. Hence, commencing business as usual with China, at this juncture will de facto alter LAC, which will add one more chapter to avoidable historical errors for India. Both sides continue to reinforce their positions, infrastructure development to improve sustainability of troops and to thwart next move of adversary. What are China and India aiming for in Ladakh in 2021? Chinese political aim of forcing Indian subordination couldn’t be achieved, despite its adventurism in Ladakh, but will remain unchanged in future. Chinese strategic aim in Eastern Ladakh was to provide depth to its National Highway G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw Line of Actual Control (LAC) as per its perception and negotiate border on their terms thereafter. China can claim to have partially achieved it, through illegal occupation of some extra kilometrage in Eastern Ladakh, but at the cost of newly created vulnerabilities for itself South of Pangong Tso. The discomfort China faces can be attributed to many factors -- including Indian dispositions in Sub Sector North including DBO, infrastructure development including DSDBO road, viewed as a threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity. The Chinese aim of preventing Indian infrastructure development hasn’t been achieved, as both sides continue development of infrastructure in areas they perceive to be theirs. Chinese future strategic aim in 2021 is likely to be to hold on to its gains, and get Indian troops out of Kailash Range. The approach of talks to reach an agreement for disengagement and de-escalation based on mutual and equal security, are aimed to make Indians pull back from Kailash range in exchange of PLA pulling back slightly from some unimportant areas. A military action post winters to evict Indian Army from Kailash Range by China cannot be ruled out, but the option is marred with a major risk of loss of face for Xi Jinping, as a military defeat is the last thing which he would like to face, that too in centenary of formulation of CCP. PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations will continue to be East Ladakh and actions along rest of LAC will be to increase the cost of stand-off for India, and strengthen its bargaining position. Indian aim should be to not concede unilateral shift of LAC as LAC-2020, be prepared for ‘Two Front War’ as a worst case scenario, and continue capacity building accordingly. The talks should continue, but by any strategic calculations, I do not see China conceding to Indian official demand of pulling back to pre-April 2020 positions through talks. With such operational compulsions, commencement of some tactical probing actions, and resultant patrol clashes are likely, as we improve infrastructure in 2021. In light of no major breakthrough till the 22nd round of China-India border talks, I do not expect any worthwhile development on delineation, delimitation and demarcation of LAC. As long as the LAC is not demarcated, a temporary solution will only postpone the next standoff and may lead to LOCisation of LAC. The Chinese will like to keep border unsettled till the time the political cost of not settling it, becomes higher than doing so, for CCP, China. Infrastructure offensive The Chinese have taken an unprecedented lead in infrastructure development along LAC in past, which is gainfully being utilised to create pressure on India all along the LAC. Sinicisation of Tibet, as part of ‘Strategy of Three Evils’, has been its old strategy, but a new dimension of infrastructure offensive has been added to its strategy to construct over 400 villages along LAC, and develop to settle pro-Beijing population to pursue encroachment. It will thus help in shifting claim lines on negotiating table. China will continue to try encroaching Bhutanese land to create more space in Chumbi Valley, to threaten the Siliguri corridor. India will also have to adopt an infrastructure counter strategy. It's recommended that states/UTs along LAC should allot land to security forces like Ladakh SCOUTS, Garhwal, Kumaon, Sikkim, Arunachal SCOUTS, ITBP, SSB, other security forces and families hailing from that area (on son of soil concept), ready to settle in villages so constructed, along own perception of LAC, as the Chinese are doing. This will improve inclusive growth and integration, besides proof of our claims on border. This will have to continue along with other infrastructure development including road, rail, airstrips and communications along LAC. External factors US President Joe Biden’s first major foreign policy speech on February 4, 2021, has clearly indicated that USA is in no mood to give walkover to China, which he named as most serious competitor. Linking it with earlier statements of Biden’s Administration indicate no change in Indo-US global strategic partnership and common agenda in Indo-Pacific. It indicates strong military posturing in Indo-Pacific by US to counter Chinese expansion, resulting into Beijing's commitment of military assets at multiple friction points -- hence an option for India in Indian Ocean and various chokepoints. This will remain a major factor of consideration for Beijing in enlarging its scope and dimension of standoff into any possible military confrontation. The ongoing stand-off at LAC, Chinese compulsion of pushing BRI/CPEC through, has further increased the strategic relevance of Pakistan for China. Beijing has increased its efforts to develop military capability of Islamabad, and use it, along with its terror potential, should its national interest demand so. This brings out a long term threat to India in terms of ‘two-front war’. The recent Chinese backing of Myanmar military in UNSC, regarding the recent coup indicates some additional leverages, which can be helpful in Chinese attempt to re-ignite insurgency in north-eastern India, although given the level of integration, it may not be as easy, as it was few decades back. What should Indian response be? India needs to adopt multi-pronged strategy. Preparing for ‘two front war’ is not a choice, but a compulsion, although it may/may not happen in 2021. The only way to avoid it is to convince the potential adversaries that it is capable of fighting it successfully and pose multiple front for the Chinese. This convincing has to be backed by building capability to do so. India seems to be working on it with unprecedented speed, fast tracking procurements and boosting indigenous production of necessary equipment through ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’, besides a tough stance by forces on borders. China will attempt to convince India to delink border issue with trade and other engagements. India will have to hold its ground, not to run into any quick fix solution, as these issues are inseparable. For many decades, many foreign policy pundits have been trying to pursue 'rest of relationship' sidelining border issue, going slow on capability development of military, expecting soldiers to protect territorial integrity on un-demarcated LAC by pushing each other without firing. Patrol clashes like the one in Naku La, (Sikkim) last month indicates the need to revisit responses, as scuffles can lead to another Galwan-like episode; hence, we need to ensure that right to fire in self-defence is assured to own troops, despite intent for peace. India needs to be prepared to pose a threat to Chinese vulnerabilities in maritime domain in collaboration with other friendly navies. In any future escalation, the strategy should be to draw PLA Navy, out of its comfort zone in South China Sea to Indian Ocean, where it’s Sea lines of Communications (SLOC) face maximum vulnerability. (The author can be reached at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on twitter, and personnel site -- https://asthanawrites.org. He can also be reached at shashiasthana29@gmail.com) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | China-India stand-off at LAC: Extrapolating possibilities in 2021

The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far.

Nine rounds of military talks held with China, will continue: S Jaishankar

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also.

Jaishankar added there has so far been no "visible expression" of the talks on ground as he addressed reporters in Vijayawada.

"The disengagement talks, because it is a very complicated issue, because it depends on troops, you have to know the geography (like) which position and what is happening, this is being done by the military commanders," he said -- in reply to a query on whether there would be any ministerial level talks between both the countries on skirmishes between troops of the Asian giants.

China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far.

"So, military commanders have held nine rounds of meetings so far. We believe some progress has been made, but it is not, in a kind of situation where there is a visible expression of that on the ground," he said.

During the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year, Jaishankar noted that as many as four million Indians stranded abroad were brought back by operating 17,000 flights. The workers who came back from gulf countries during the COVID-19 pandemic have now started returning, which is a good sign, he added.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also. Jaishankar added there has so far been no "visible expression" of the talks on ground as he addressed reporters in Vijayawada. "The disengagement talks, because it is a very complicated issue, because it depends on troops, you have to know the geography (like) which position and what is happening, this is being done by the military commanders," he said -- in reply to a query on whether there would be any ministerial level talks between both the countries on skirmishes between troops of the Asian giants. China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far. "So, military commanders have held nine rounds of meetings so far. We believe some progress has been made, but it is not, in a kind of situation where there is a visible expression of that on the ground," he said. During the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year, Jaishankar noted that as many as four million Indians stranded abroad were brought back by operating 17,000 flights. The workers who came back from gulf countries during the COVID-19 pandemic have now started returning, which is a good sign, he added.

No visible expression of military talks held with the Chinese on ground: Indian EAM

In its first response to the China-India border standoff, the Biden administration has voiced concern over Beijing's ongoing attempts to "intimidate" its neighbours and said it was closely monitoring the situation.

A top official of the new Biden administration also asserted that the US will stand with its allies to advance its shared values in the strategically-vital Indo-Pacific region.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. We note the ongoing talks between the governments of India and China and continue to support a direct dialogue and a peaceful resolution to border disputes," Emily J Horne, spokesperson, National Security Council (NSC) of the White House, told PTI on Monday.

She was responding to a question on recent Chinese attempts to intrude into Indian territories and occupy it.

"The United States is concerned by Beijing's pattern of ongoing attempts to intimidate its neighbours," Horne said.

"We will stand with friends, partners and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security and values in the Indo-Pacific region," she added.

This is the first response of the Biden administration on the India-China border clashes. Former vice president Joe Biden, a Democrat, was inaugurated as the 46th US President on January 20.

China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far.

The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China's increasing military muscle flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers. The US has been favouring making Quad a security architecture to check China's growing assertiveness.

China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years.

Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan.

The South China Sea and the East China Sea are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources.

They are also vital to global trade. Although the US lays no claims to the disputed waters, it has challenged China's growing territorial claims in the South China Sea by deploying warships and fighter jets to assert freedom of navigation and overflight patrols in the strategically-vital region.

Addressing a joint session of Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind last week said India had strengthened its military presence at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the two countries' shared border to protect its sovereignty.

"My government is fully committed to the protection of the interests of the nation and is also vigilant. Additional forces have been deployed to protect India's sovereignty over the LAC," Kovind said.&nbsp;

In its first response to the China-India border standoff, the Biden administration has voiced concern over Beijing's ongoing attempts to "intimidate" its neighbours and said it was closely monitoring the situation.

In its first response to the China-India border standoff, the Biden administration has voiced concern over Beijing's ongoing attempts to "intimidate" its neighbours and said it was closely monitoring the situation. A top official of the new Biden administration also asserted that the US will stand with its allies to advance its shared values in the strategically-vital Indo-Pacific region. "We are closely monitoring the situation. We note the ongoing talks between the governments of India and China and continue to support a direct dialogue and a peaceful resolution to border disputes," Emily J Horne, spokesperson, National Security Council (NSC) of the White House, told PTI on Monday. She was responding to a question on recent Chinese attempts to intrude into Indian territories and occupy it. "The United States is concerned by Beijing's pattern of ongoing attempts to intimidate its neighbours," Horne said. "We will stand with friends, partners and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security and values in the Indo-Pacific region," she added. This is the first response of the Biden administration on the India-China border clashes. Former vice president Joe Biden, a Democrat, was inaugurated as the 46th US President on January 20. China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far. The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China's increasing military muscle flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers. The US has been favouring making Quad a security architecture to check China's growing assertiveness. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan. The South China Sea and the East China Sea are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources. They are also vital to global trade. Although the US lays no claims to the disputed waters, it has challenged China's growing territorial claims in the South China Sea by deploying warships and fighter jets to assert freedom of navigation and overflight patrols in the strategically-vital region. Addressing a joint session of Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind last week said India had strengthened its military presence at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the two countries' shared border to protect its sovereignty. "My government is fully committed to the protection of the interests of the nation and is also vigilant. Additional forces have been deployed to protect India's sovereignty over the LAC," Kovind said.

US concerned by China's ongoing attempts to 'intimidate' neighbours: White House

Pointing out that India China ties being at a "crossroad", India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that "choices that are made will have profound repercussion" not just for 2 countries, but also the entire world.

Indian External Affairs Minister: Ladakh incident 'profoundly disturbed' India-China ties

Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Ladakh sector, soldiers of both the countries reportedly clashed with each other at Naku La in Sikkim border area.

Indian Army foils PLA's fresh intrusion attempt

An incident of minor face-off occurred between Indian and Chinese troops last week, Army sources said on Monday. The clash comes amidst the ninth round of military talks between India and China which lasted for nearly 16 hours as the two sides held detailed deliberations on disengagement of troops from all friction points in eastern Ladakh.

Indian, Chinese troops clash in Sikkim, injuries reported on both sides

Clashes between Indian and Chinese troops at Naku La near Sikkim border |

Even as China featured among the few countries that managed to post healthy growth in 2020 notwithstanding the severe economic and health impact of the coronavirus pandemic, several economists have questioned the veracity of the data. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a 7.9 per cent growth for China in 2021, it said that the dragon must allow its overburdened lenders to be liquidated for economic growth to be sustained in the medium term, the Nikkei Asia reported. 
 
The opaque nature of information flow from the country has added to the worry for think tanks and rating agencies across the world. 
 
Spanish economist Daniel Lacalle in his blog, about two months ago, said that China`s is a "planned GDP" and that the growth is not demand-driven but is pushed by a tactfully expanded government expenditure. 
 
"A planned GDP. The GDP of China is dictated by production, not demand. It is not an observed GDP but rather planned by the government together with the provinces. For this reason, many analysts scrutinize the data and deduct various factors, including the increase and valuation of inventories," Lacalle pointed out in his blog. 
 
However, he also noted that economic recovery is underway but "it is not dissimilar to that of many of the leading Asian countries". 
 
"It is not by chance that inventories of iron ore, automobiles and finished goods have risen to the highest level in seven months as the economy recovers. If the economic situation we're in the announced expansion, inventories would be falling rapidly when sold. Much is produced that is then not sold and remains in warehouses," Lacalle added. 
 
Interestingly, China also does not follow the practice of revising GDP figures. The final December figure "stands and is consolidated without question". 
 
China's rising debt problem 
 
As China has been expanding its hold over the world through the much-hyped Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which runs across over 70 countries, its debt is rising continuously. 
 
The Washington-based Institute of International Finance (IIF) last year said that China`s debt was on track to hit a whopping 335 per cent of GDP. This however included debt across all sectors such as household, government, financial and non-financial corporate. 
 
The country`s overall level of debt is driven primarily by real estate, corporates and shadow banking. 
 
Deftly, China has kept direct borrowings by the central government at a reasonable level but the accounts of the local governments and its companies and banks are mired in a web which is difficult to analyze. 
 
The Committee for the Abolition of Illegitimate Debt, in a study done before the Covid-19 outbreak, highlighted that China`s overall debt calculation is complicated though "research has been able to estimate central government debt with precision". 
 
What makes it murky is the accounts of the local governments and state-owned enterprises. "The central government is not over-leveraged and benefits from ample foreign currency reserves. But regional governments have expanded unsafe financial operations since 2007, and often resort to off-the-counter loans or shadow banking. 
 
Analysts said that while the Chinese government had started the exercise of cleaning up the mess, the pandemic has derailed the drive. 
 
"While China`s lending traditionally comes from the major state-controlled banks, there has been a gradual shift towards less transparent alternative lending sources that can produce high-risk loans and contribute to China`s debt woes. This lending is at times done through smaller local and provincial banks that sell lightly regulated investments," wrote ChinaPower. 
 
The Harvard Business Review in an article pointed out that China has turned into a major global lender in the last two decades with outstanding claims exceeding more than 5 per cent of global GDP. Almost all of this lending is official, coming from the government and state-controlled entities. 
 
According to the HBR, "China has extended many more loans to developing countries than previously known" and the "systematic under-reporting of these loans has created a `hidden debt` problem? meaning that debtor countries and international institutions alike have an incomplete picture of how much countries around the world owe to China and under which conditions". 
 
It said that the Chinese state and its subsidiaries have lent about $1.5 trillion in direct loans and trade credits to more than 150 countries around the globe, making China the world`s largest official creditor. 
 
However, the country has never published any official data on this despite the huge lending size. 
 
Surprisingly, China is not a member of the Paris Club, an informal group of creditor nations with the aim to strike workable repayment solutions. Not just that. The country is also not part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Both Paris Club and the OECD maintain loan records of official creditors. 
 
China`s financial assistance is directed in the form of trade credits, foreign direct investment advances under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) besides direct loans. An analyst on condition of anonymity said that China`s immediate problem emerges from the fact that most of the countries that have benefited from the dragon`s loans have been "badly hit" by the coronavirus pandemic and are in no position to repay the debt.

Even as China featured among the few countries that managed to post healthy growth in 2020 notwithstanding the severe economic and health impact of the coronavirus pandemic, several economists have questioned the veracity of the data.

Even as China featured among the few countries that managed to post healthy growth in 2020 notwithstanding the severe economic and health impact of the coronavirus pandemic, several economists have questioned the veracity of the data. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected a 7.9 per cent growth for China in 2021, it said that the dragon must allow its overburdened lenders to be liquidated for economic growth to be sustained in the medium term, the Nikkei Asia reported. The opaque nature of information flow from the country has added to the worry for think tanks and rating agencies across the world. Spanish economist Daniel Lacalle in his blog, about two months ago, said that China`s is a "planned GDP" and that the growth is not demand-driven but is pushed by a tactfully expanded government expenditure. "A planned GDP. The GDP of China is dictated by production, not demand. It is not an observed GDP but rather planned by the government together with the provinces. For this reason, many analysts scrutinize the data and deduct various factors, including the increase and valuation of inventories," Lacalle pointed out in his blog. However, he also noted that economic recovery is underway but "it is not dissimilar to that of many of the leading Asian countries". "It is not by chance that inventories of iron ore, automobiles and finished goods have risen to the highest level in seven months as the economy recovers. If the economic situation we're in the announced expansion, inventories would be falling rapidly when sold. Much is produced that is then not sold and remains in warehouses," Lacalle added. Interestingly, China also does not follow the practice of revising GDP figures. The final December figure "stands and is consolidated without question". China's rising debt problem As China has been expanding its hold over the world through the much-hyped Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which runs across over 70 countries, its debt is rising continuously. The Washington-based Institute of International Finance (IIF) last year said that China`s debt was on track to hit a whopping 335 per cent of GDP. This however included debt across all sectors such as household, government, financial and non-financial corporate. The country`s overall level of debt is driven primarily by real estate, corporates and shadow banking. Deftly, China has kept direct borrowings by the central government at a reasonable level but the accounts of the local governments and its companies and banks are mired in a web which is difficult to analyze. The Committee for the Abolition of Illegitimate Debt, in a study done before the Covid-19 outbreak, highlighted that China`s overall debt calculation is complicated though "research has been able to estimate central government debt with precision". What makes it murky is the accounts of the local governments and state-owned enterprises. "The central government is not over-leveraged and benefits from ample foreign currency reserves. But regional governments have expanded unsafe financial operations since 2007, and often resort to off-the-counter loans or shadow banking. Analysts said that while the Chinese government had started the exercise of cleaning up the mess, the pandemic has derailed the drive. "While China`s lending traditionally comes from the major state-controlled banks, there has been a gradual shift towards less transparent alternative lending sources that can produce high-risk loans and contribute to China`s debt woes. This lending is at times done through smaller local and provincial banks that sell lightly regulated investments," wrote ChinaPower. The Harvard Business Review in an article pointed out that China has turned into a major global lender in the last two decades with outstanding claims exceeding more than 5 per cent of global GDP. Almost all of this lending is official, coming from the government and state-controlled entities. According to the HBR, "China has extended many more loans to developing countries than previously known" and the "systematic under-reporting of these loans has created a `hidden debt` problem? meaning that debtor countries and international institutions alike have an incomplete picture of how much countries around the world owe to China and under which conditions". It said that the Chinese state and its subsidiaries have lent about $1.5 trillion in direct loans and trade credits to more than 150 countries around the globe, making China the world`s largest official creditor. However, the country has never published any official data on this despite the huge lending size. Surprisingly, China is not a member of the Paris Club, an informal group of creditor nations with the aim to strike workable repayment solutions. Not just that. The country is also not part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Both Paris Club and the OECD maintain loan records of official creditors. China`s financial assistance is directed in the form of trade credits, foreign direct investment advances under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) besides direct loans. An analyst on condition of anonymity said that China`s immediate problem emerges from the fact that most of the countries that have benefited from the dragon`s loans have been "badly hit" by the coronavirus pandemic and are in no position to repay the debt.

Crouching Dragon: Experts raise doubts on data behind China growth story

China has called for the swift return of a soldier it says is being held by Indian authorities after disappearing along the border.

China calls for swift return of missing soldier held by India

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