China said, India has been ramping up infrastructure along the border and infrastructure along LAC is the cause of tension between both sides. Watch this video to know more.

China: India has been ramping up infrastructure along the border

India and China are holding the seventh round of Corps Commander-level meet on Monday in Chushul in eastern Ladakh, amidst the continuing stalemate along the LAC.

India & China holding 7th level military talks in Chushul

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supported India on its ongoing standoff with China, saying Beijing has deployed 60,000 soldiers in the border with India.

Pompeo said New Delhi "absolutely need the United States to be their ally and partner in this fight".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-to-accept-talks-wont-make-china-change-aggressive-stance-us-nsa-334239">‘Time to accept talks won’t make China change aggressive stance’: US NSA</a>

"They’ve stacked 60,000 soldiers against the Indians in the north," in an interview to Fox News.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-sorry-taiwanese-detained-in-china-confesses-on-state-tv-334533">'I am sorry': Taiwanese detained in China confesses on state TV</a>

The secretary of state's comments came after the Quad nations: India, Japan, Australia and the US met on Tuesday in Tokyo where they supported a rules-based Indo-Pacific region, sending an indirect message to China over its expansionist attempts.&nbsp;

"I was with my foreign minister counterparts from India, Australia, and Japan… four big democracies, four powerful economies, four nations, each of whom has real risk associated with the threats attempting to be imposed by the Chinese Communist Party. And they see it in their home countries too," Pompeo said on The Guy Benson Show, as quoted by The Indian Express.&nbsp;

"But they’ve all seen it, whether it’s the Indians, who are actually having a physical confrontation with the Chinese up in the Himalayas in the northeastern part of India, the Chinese have now begun to amass huge forces against India in the north."

He also said the Quad members are working on a set of policies to resist the threats each of these nations face from Beijing.&nbsp;

"(India) absolutely need the United States to be their ally and partner in this fight," he added.

Pompeo said the the "tide has turned" and under Trump's leadership a coalition is established that "will push back against the threat and maintain good order, the rule of law, and the basic civic decency that comes from democracies controlling the world and not authoritarian regimes".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supported India on its ongoing standoff with China, saying Beijing has deployed 60,000 soldiers in the border with India. Pompeo said New Delhi "absolutely need the United States to be their ally and partner in this fight".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo supported India on its ongoing standoff with China, saying Beijing has deployed 60,000 soldiers in the border with India. Pompeo said New Delhi "absolutely need the United States to be their ally and partner in this fight". Also read | ‘Time to accept talks won’t make China change aggressive stance’: US NSA "They’ve stacked 60,000 soldiers against the Indians in the north," in an interview to Fox News. Also read | 'I am sorry': Taiwanese detained in China confesses on state TV The secretary of state's comments came after the Quad nations: India, Japan, Australia and the US met on Tuesday in Tokyo where they supported a rules-based Indo-Pacific region, sending an indirect message to China over its expansionist attempts. "I was with my foreign minister counterparts from India, Australia, and Japan… four big democracies, four powerful economies, four nations, each of whom has real risk associated with the threats attempting to be imposed by the Chinese Communist Party. And they see it in their home countries too," Pompeo said on The Guy Benson Show, as quoted by The Indian Express. "But they’ve all seen it, whether it’s the Indians, who are actually having a physical confrontation with the Chinese up in the Himalayas in the northeastern part of India, the Chinese have now begun to amass huge forces against India in the north." He also said the Quad members are working on a set of policies to resist the threats each of these nations face from Beijing. "(India) absolutely need the United States to be their ally and partner in this fight," he added. Pompeo said the the "tide has turned" and under Trump's leadership a coalition is established that "will push back against the threat and maintain good order, the rule of law, and the basic civic decency that comes from democracies controlling the world and not authoritarian regimes".

Mike Pompeo lashes out at China, says nation deployed 60,000 soldiers at border with India

Amidst the continuing stalemate along the LAC in Ladakh, the seventh round of Corps Commander-level meet are scheduled to be held on Monday in Chushul in eastern Ladakh.

LAC Standoff: 7th level military talks to be held in Chushul

The Indian Air Force on Saturday displayed its aerial might by carrying out sorties in the Leh-Ladakh region near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India’s preparedness to protect its territory and uphold its territorial integrity was marked by sorties by C-17 Globemaster, Ilyushin-76 and Antonio-32 transport, along with the Apache and Chinook heavy-lift choppers.

India-China standoff: MiG 29, Chinook part of the operation in Ladakh

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday weighed in on the ongoing standoff between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Pompeo asserted that there was a need for closer ties between India and the US in order to counter China. He warned of China's growing might on India's doorstep.

"They absolutely need the United States to be their ally and partner in this fight," Pompeo said of his four-way meetings earlier this week in Tokyo with his counterparts from India, Japan and Australia. He said this in a radio interview with hot Larry O'Connor.

"The Chinese have now begun to amass huge forces against India in the north," Pompeo told radio host Larry O'Connor.

"The world has awakened. The tide's begun to turn. And the United States under President Trump's leadership has now built out a coalition that will push back against the threat," he said.

After his visit to Tokyo, Pompeo is due to travel to New Delhi with Defence Secretary Mark Esper for annual talks with Indian counterparts.

Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will also travel to India next week to prepare the meeting, the State Department said.

Tensions have soared between India and China since violent hand-to-hand fighting in the Himalayan region of Ladakh in June that left 20 Indian troops dead.

China has acknowledged suffering casualties but has not revealed any figures.

Citing national security grounds, New Delhi has since banned dozens of Chinese apps including TikTok, the blockbuster video-sharing platform which had counted on India as its largest overseas market.

Despite wide concerns about China, India has historically shied away from formal alliances with outside powers under its doctrine of "strategic autonomy."

Asked at the conservative Heritage Foundation about tensions with China, India's ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, stressed that the Asian powers had historic linkages and welcomed each other's scholars.

US-India ties have been rapidly growing and "this relationship has a much wider perspective than simply China," Sandhu said.

But he said he expected India and the United States to discuss boosting defense ties during the visit by Pompeo and Esper.

"I would underline that there is a great further potential for our defense cooperation," he said.

(With AFP inputs)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday weighed in on the ongoing standoff between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Pompeo asserted that there was a need for closer ties between India and the US in order to counter China.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday weighed in on the ongoing standoff between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Pompeo asserted that there was a need for closer ties between India and the US in order to counter China. He warned of China's growing might on India's doorstep. "They absolutely need the United States to be their ally and partner in this fight," Pompeo said of his four-way meetings earlier this week in Tokyo with his counterparts from India, Japan and Australia. He said this in a radio interview with hot Larry O'Connor. "The Chinese have now begun to amass huge forces against India in the north," Pompeo told radio host Larry O'Connor. "The world has awakened. The tide's begun to turn. And the United States under President Trump's leadership has now built out a coalition that will push back against the threat," he said. After his visit to Tokyo, Pompeo is due to travel to New Delhi with Defence Secretary Mark Esper for annual talks with Indian counterparts. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will also travel to India next week to prepare the meeting, the State Department said. Tensions have soared between India and China since violent hand-to-hand fighting in the Himalayan region of Ladakh in June that left 20 Indian troops dead. China has acknowledged suffering casualties but has not revealed any figures. Citing national security grounds, New Delhi has since banned dozens of Chinese apps including TikTok, the blockbuster video-sharing platform which had counted on India as its largest overseas market. Despite wide concerns about China, India has historically shied away from formal alliances with outside powers under its doctrine of "strategic autonomy." Asked at the conservative Heritage Foundation about tensions with China, India's ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, stressed that the Asian powers had historic linkages and welcomed each other's scholars. US-India ties have been rapidly growing and "this relationship has a much wider perspective than simply China," Sandhu said. But he said he expected India and the United States to discuss boosting defense ties during the visit by Pompeo and Esper. "I would underline that there is a great further potential for our defense cooperation," he said. (With AFP inputs)

Pompeo bats for closer ties with India, says China amassing huge force

China has attempted to “seize” control of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India by force as part of its territorial aggression, US’ national security advisor has said, underlining that time has come to accept that dialogue and agreements will not persuade Beijing to change.

India and China are locked in a five-month-long tense border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their relations. Both sides have held a series of high-level diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.

“CCP’s (Chinese Communist Party) territorial aggression is also apparent on its Indian border where China has attempted to seize control of the Line of Actual Control by force,” US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said in a remark on China early this week in Utah.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. The Chinese territorial aggression is also true in the Taiwan Strait where the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy and Air Force continue to conduct threatening military drills, O’Brien said.

“Beijing’s signature international development programme, One Belt One Road (OBOR), involves impoverished companies taking on opaque and unsustainable Chinese loans to pay Chinese firms employing Chinese labourers to build their infrastructure,” he said.

Many of these projects are unnecessary, shoddily built and are “white elephants”, the national security advisor said. “And now these countries’ dependence on the Chinese debt leaves their sovereignty eroded and with no choice but to hue to the party’s line on UN votes or any other issue that the Chinese Communist Party considers a red line,” he said. O’Brien also noted that China’s other international aid efforts include selling surveillance systems and similar tools of repression to “pariah regimes” around the world, including Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. “The time has come to accept that dialogue and agreements will not persuade or compel the People’s Republic of China to change. There’s nothing to be gained from looking the other way or turning the other cheek. We’ve been doing that for too long,” he said.

O’Brien said the US must stand up to the Chinese and protect the American people.

“We must promote American prosperity, practice peace through strength and advance American influence in the world,” he said, adding that under President Donald Trump’s leadership that is exactly what the US has done.

O’Brien said the Trump administration has adopted a competitive approach to China. That approach, he said, has two primary objectives. First, improve the resiliency of US institutions, alliances and partnerships to prevail against the challenges that China presents; and the second is to impose tangible cost in order to compel Beijing to cease or reduce actions harmful to America’s vital national interest and those of its allied and partner nations.

“President Trump has taken decisive action to meet these objectives. He is working to prevent companies that answer to the CCP’s intelligence and security apparatus,” O’Brien said.

Citing examples, he said Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE have been prevented from accessing Americans’ personal and private data and national secrets. The Trump administration, he said, has also imposed import and export restrictions on US semiconductor technology and other exports going to Huawei and similar Chinese telecommunications corporations.

“Our democratic partners are starting to follow. Just last month, the UK joined democracies such as the Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Sweden in committing to using trusted suppliers to build their future 5G networks,” O’Brien said.

“Carriers like Jio in India, Telstra in Australia, SK and KT in South Korea, NTT in Japan, and others have prohibited the use of Huawei equipment in their networks. The Trump administration is investigating and prosecuting the economic espionage aggressively,” he said.

O’Brien said the Trump administration has strengthened its military relationships in the Indo Pacific.

“One important partnership which will be one of the most key partnerships for the United States in the 21st century, India, is thriving,” he said. He also noted that the US has signed extended US military access to Singapore’s air and naval bases. The country is also working closely with Japan, Australia and New Zealand to strengthen relationships with the Pacific Islands, especially Timor. It is also working closely with Mongolia.

However, O’Brien said even as the US competes with China, it does welcome cooperation where America’s interests align. “The US has a deep and abiding respect for the Chinese people and enjoys longstanding ties to that country, including our alliance in World War II,” O’Brien said.

China has attempted to “seize” control of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India by force as part of its territorial aggression, US’ national security advisor has said, underlining that time has come to accept that dialogue and agreements will not persuade Beijing to change.

China has attempted to “seize” control of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India by force as part of its territorial aggression, US’ national security advisor has said, underlining that time has come to accept that dialogue and agreements will not persuade Beijing to change. India and China are locked in a five-month-long tense border standoff in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their relations. Both sides have held a series of high-level diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border row. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff. “CCP’s (Chinese Communist Party) territorial aggression is also apparent on its Indian border where China has attempted to seize control of the Line of Actual Control by force,” US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said in a remark on China early this week in Utah. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. The Chinese territorial aggression is also true in the Taiwan Strait where the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy and Air Force continue to conduct threatening military drills, O’Brien said. “Beijing’s signature international development programme, One Belt One Road (OBOR), involves impoverished companies taking on opaque and unsustainable Chinese loans to pay Chinese firms employing Chinese labourers to build their infrastructure,” he said. Many of these projects are unnecessary, shoddily built and are “white elephants”, the national security advisor said. “And now these countries’ dependence on the Chinese debt leaves their sovereignty eroded and with no choice but to hue to the party’s line on UN votes or any other issue that the Chinese Communist Party considers a red line,” he said. O’Brien also noted that China’s other international aid efforts include selling surveillance systems and similar tools of repression to “pariah regimes” around the world, including Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. “The time has come to accept that dialogue and agreements will not persuade or compel the People’s Republic of China to change. There’s nothing to be gained from looking the other way or turning the other cheek. We’ve been doing that for too long,” he said. O’Brien said the US must stand up to the Chinese and protect the American people. “We must promote American prosperity, practice peace through strength and advance American influence in the world,” he said, adding that under President Donald Trump’s leadership that is exactly what the US has done. O’Brien said the Trump administration has adopted a competitive approach to China. That approach, he said, has two primary objectives. First, improve the resiliency of US institutions, alliances and partnerships to prevail against the challenges that China presents; and the second is to impose tangible cost in order to compel Beijing to cease or reduce actions harmful to America’s vital national interest and those of its allied and partner nations. “President Trump has taken decisive action to meet these objectives. He is working to prevent companies that answer to the CCP’s intelligence and security apparatus,” O’Brien said. Citing examples, he said Chinese telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE have been prevented from accessing Americans’ personal and private data and national secrets. The Trump administration, he said, has also imposed import and export restrictions on US semiconductor technology and other exports going to Huawei and similar Chinese telecommunications corporations. “Our democratic partners are starting to follow. Just last month, the UK joined democracies such as the Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Sweden in committing to using trusted suppliers to build their future 5G networks,” O’Brien said. “Carriers like Jio in India, Telstra in Australia, SK and KT in South Korea, NTT in Japan, and others have prohibited the use of Huawei equipment in their networks. The Trump administration is investigating and prosecuting the economic espionage aggressively,” he said. O’Brien said the Trump administration has strengthened its military relationships in the Indo Pacific. “One important partnership which will be one of the most key partnerships for the United States in the 21st century, India, is thriving,” he said. He also noted that the US has signed extended US military access to Singapore’s air and naval bases. The country is also working closely with Japan, Australia and New Zealand to strengthen relationships with the Pacific Islands, especially Timor. It is also working closely with Mongolia. However, O’Brien said even as the US competes with China, it does welcome cooperation where America’s interests align. “The US has a deep and abiding respect for the Chinese people and enjoys longstanding ties to that country, including our alliance in World War II,” O’Brien said.

‘Time to accept talks won’t make China change aggressive stance’: US NSA

The twelfth BRICS summit will be held on November 17 with Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi set to attend the meeting virtually.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iaf-chief-ready-for-a-two-front-war-warns-china-and-pakistan-332611/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-7th-india-china-corps-commanders-meet-on-october-12-332388">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;India-China corps commanders meet on October 12</a>

The meeting between the Chinese president Xi Jinping and PM Modi will be the first since the border standoff along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-7th-india-china-corps-commanders-meet-on-october-12-332388">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;India-China corps commanders meet on October 12</a>

The BRICS NSA meeting had taken place virtually in Russia with NSA Ajit Doval representing the Indian side and the Chinese side was headed by diplomat Yang Jiechi.&nbsp;

The theme of the meeting of the leaders of BRICS countries this time would be “BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth”.

"The main purpose of the Russian BRICS chairmanship in 2020 is to contribute to raising living standards and quality of life our peoples," it said in a statement.

“Despite the current global situation due to the spread of the coronavirus infection, the activities under the Russian BRICS Chairmanship in 2020 are carried out in a consistent manner. Since January 2020 more than 60 events have been organized, including via videoconferencing," Anton Kobyakov, adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, said.

The twelfth BRICS summit will be held on November 17 with Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi set to attend the meeting virtually. Watch: Also Read: India-China corps commanders meet on October 12 The meeting between the Chinese president Xi Jinping and PM Modi will be the first since the border standoff along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

The twelfth BRICS summit will be held on November 17 with Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi set to attend the meeting virtually. Watch: Also Read: India-China corps commanders meet on October 12 The meeting between the Chinese president Xi Jinping and PM Modi will be the first since the border standoff along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Also Read: India-China corps commanders meet on October 12 The BRICS NSA meeting had taken place virtually in Russia with NSA Ajit Doval representing the Indian side and the Chinese side was headed by diplomat Yang Jiechi. The theme of the meeting of the leaders of BRICS countries this time would be “BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth”. "The main purpose of the Russian BRICS chairmanship in 2020 is to contribute to raising living standards and quality of life our peoples," it said in a statement. “Despite the current global situation due to the spread of the coronavirus infection, the activities under the Russian BRICS Chairmanship in 2020 are carried out in a consistent manner. Since January 2020 more than 60 events have been organized, including via videoconferencing," Anton Kobyakov, adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, said.

PM Modi, Chinese President Xi to attend BRICS summit 'virtually' on November 17

The standoff between India and China has been going on for over five months now. As per latest reports, China has deployed light tanks opposite the Indian territory in Ladakh. India has deployed tanks along the Line of Actual control as well and Indian tank commanders strongly feel that Chinese tanks will be no match for India's T-90 and T-72 tanks in case an armoured battle breaks out.

"I believe that in case there is a battle involving the tanks during the present situation and they deploy their light tanks, I can assure you that it won`t survive against our T-90s and the T-72s,"&nbsp;a tank commander told ANI&nbsp;on the condition of anonymity as he was not officially authorised to talk to the media.

China has recently deployed T-15 light tanks and the Chinese media has been claiming that these tanks will be effective in the mountainous region and in valleys. But Indian commanders maintain that India's T-90 and T-72 tanks along with BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles can operate in temperature ranges of minus 40 degrees to 50 degrees.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-new-improved-version-of-nuclear-capable-shaurya-missile-332230">India successfully test-fires new, improved version of nuclear-capable Shaurya Missile</a>

Asked about the performance of the tank in the high mountainous terrain, the commander told ANI that&nbsp;the Russian-origin T-90 tank is very well-suited for operations in extreme cold weather conditions that exist in the country of origin of the tank. Almost all along the LAC, there are multiple locations where tanks have been deployed from both sides from Depsang plains in the DBO sector, the southern bank of Pangong lake including the Spanggur gap area and the Chumar-Demchok sector in the southern part.

ANI quoted sources as&nbsp;saying that&nbsp;the Chinese tanks and infantry combat vehicles including the T-99s and the PTZ had&nbsp;been deployed in significant numbers by the Chinese opposite Indian territory and backed by the long-range artillery and surface-to-air missile defence systems as part of its aggressive posturing against India since April-May timeframe this year.&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs) 
&nbsp;

The standoff between India and China has been going on for over five months now. As per latest reports, China has deployed light tanks opposite the Indian territory in Ladakh.

The standoff between India and China has been going on for over five months now. As per latest reports, China has deployed light tanks opposite the Indian territory in Ladakh. India has deployed tanks along the Line of Actual control as well and Indian tank commanders strongly feel that Chinese tanks will be no match for India's T-90 and T-72 tanks in case an armoured battle breaks out. "I believe that in case there is a battle involving the tanks during the present situation and they deploy their light tanks, I can assure you that it won`t survive against our T-90s and the T-72s," a tank commander told ANI on the condition of anonymity as he was not officially authorised to talk to the media. China has recently deployed T-15 light tanks and the Chinese media has been claiming that these tanks will be effective in the mountainous region and in valleys. But Indian commanders maintain that India's T-90 and T-72 tanks along with BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles can operate in temperature ranges of minus 40 degrees to 50 degrees. Also Read | India successfully test-fires new, improved version of nuclear-capable Shaurya Missile Asked about the performance of the tank in the high mountainous terrain, the commander told ANI that the Russian-origin T-90 tank is very well-suited for operations in extreme cold weather conditions that exist in the country of origin of the tank. Almost all along the LAC, there are multiple locations where tanks have been deployed from both sides from Depsang plains in the DBO sector, the southern bank of Pangong lake including the Spanggur gap area and the Chumar-Demchok sector in the southern part. ANI quoted sources as saying that the Chinese tanks and infantry combat vehicles including the T-99s and the PTZ had been deployed in significant numbers by the Chinese opposite Indian territory and backed by the long-range artillery and surface-to-air missile defence systems as part of its aggressive posturing against India since April-May timeframe this year. (With ANI inputs)

Chinese light tanks no match for India's T-90 at LAC, say Indian tank commanders

After triggering a border standoff with India in may - China has failed to follow through on its promise of de-escalation. India is now strengthening its defences by deploying out missiles. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India-China border stand-off: India strengthens border defences

As China seeks to provoke India again amid the ongoing border disputes. The India Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that it would never accept China's 1959 unilaterally designed Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India-China border tensions: India responds to China's provocation

India has never accepted 1959 definition of LAC: India reacts to China's stand

There seems to be a method behind China’s renewed bellicosity towards India and that has been in the making for the past several years. Behind the charming façade of bonhomie was hidden a sinister design to downsize India.&nbsp; 
It was never ever at ease whenever the world linked the two Asian giants through a hyphen.&nbsp;

Given the size of its economy and its influence well beyond South Asia, China found it increasingly difficult to digest worldview of the two Asian countries on equal footing. The rise of the Hindu nationalist government in New Delhi was another sore point as Prime Minister Narendra Modi government sought to deal with&nbsp; 
Beijing on equal terms, which was certainly not digestible to it as it was keen to play big brother in the region.

China was also miffed with New Delhi as it sought to strengthen its ties with the Trump regime at a time when the relations between Washington and Beijing were worsening. This happened increasingly 2018 onwards when USA and China were locked in a tit-for-tat tariff war. The coronavirus pandemic further weakened the already-strained ties.&nbsp;

Originating from Wuhan province in China, the pandemic has derailed the world economy and Trump has squarely blamed Beijing for the spread of the disease. On its part, China tried to give a new spin by pushing a conspiracy theory that it was US military personnel who brought coronavirus to China. Angered by China’s insinuation, Trump started dubbing coronavirus as a Chinese virus.

A suspicious China viewed growing bonhomie between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a conspiracy against its interests. As angry exchanges between the US and China escalated, President Trump’s apparent shift towards India further piqued Beijing. &nbsp;In fact, many in Trump administration had been favouring prioritising ties with New Delhi to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the world.&nbsp;

The Ladakh incursions by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) came at a time when several countries, including the US, were fuming at China’s continued muscle-flexing in the disputed islands in the South China Sea. China says it has “irrefutable” sovereignty over the islands, also claimed parts of the sea within the maritime boundaries of Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei.

The Ladakh incursion does not seem like a sudden move. It all began in June 2017 when the two countries were locked in a military standoff on Doklam plateau. China attempted to extend a road on the plateau southwards near the Doka La pass.&nbsp;

Satellite images and intelligence reports are proof that the Chinese had been building several permanent military posts, a few helipads and new trenches not very far from Doklam. Doklam was just a prelude.&nbsp;

China has been surreptitiously fortifying its positions along the LAC since then. China’s game plan is to impose war on India. Although Chinese officials have been maintaining that their country will never be the first to escalate the situation, their actions prove otherwise.&nbsp;

Notwithstanding China's attempts to unilaterally change the status quo along the LAC in Ladakh, it has been blaming India for the current situation. It has put the onus on India to take steps to ease situation by withdrawing its forces from the region, while reiterating that its territory (read occupied territory) cannot be lost.&nbsp;

The statement that Chinese military is "fully determined, capable, and confident to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity" sums up its intentions.

China is eyeing one wrong move from India that will give it the sanction to escalate the situation along the border further. More than the military damages, China wants to impose a heavy cost on India so as to wreck its economy, which has been severely hit by the lockdowns imposed in the wake of the coronavirus. With Indian economy shrinking badly and the fastest of all the countries, any escalation of the situation will deal a body blow to New Delhi.&nbsp;

If that happens then once the world’s fastest-growing economy, India will certainly slip into a mess and the recovery will take several years. With economy in tailspin, India’s influence in the region and beyond would also diminish. There would be immense pressure on the Indian leadership to take some harsh steps to recover from the economic costs that would accrue due to escalation of the situation.&nbsp;

And this is what China wants. It wants to mute all the voices that speak of China and India as the two giants of Asia. Just like India does not want Pakistan to be counted its equal, China detests granting India any status at par with itself.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

There seems to be a method behind China’s renewed bellicosity towards India and that has been in the making for the past several years. Behind the charming façade of bonhomie was hidden a sinister design to downsize India.

There seems to be a method behind China’s renewed bellicosity towards India and that has been in the making for the past several years. Behind the charming façade of bonhomie was hidden a sinister design to downsize India. It was never ever at ease whenever the world linked the two Asian giants through a hyphen. Given the size of its economy and its influence well beyond South Asia, China found it increasingly difficult to digest worldview of the two Asian countries on equal footing. The rise of the Hindu nationalist government in New Delhi was another sore point as Prime Minister Narendra Modi government sought to deal with Beijing on equal terms, which was certainly not digestible to it as it was keen to play big brother in the region. China was also miffed with New Delhi as it sought to strengthen its ties with the Trump regime at a time when the relations between Washington and Beijing were worsening. This happened increasingly 2018 onwards when USA and China were locked in a tit-for-tat tariff war. The coronavirus pandemic further weakened the already-strained ties. Originating from Wuhan province in China, the pandemic has derailed the world economy and Trump has squarely blamed Beijing for the spread of the disease. On its part, China tried to give a new spin by pushing a conspiracy theory that it was US military personnel who brought coronavirus to China. Angered by China’s insinuation, Trump started dubbing coronavirus as a Chinese virus. A suspicious China viewed growing bonhomie between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a conspiracy against its interests. As angry exchanges between the US and China escalated, President Trump’s apparent shift towards India further piqued Beijing. In fact, many in Trump administration had been favouring prioritising ties with New Delhi to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the world. The Ladakh incursions by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) came at a time when several countries, including the US, were fuming at China’s continued muscle-flexing in the disputed islands in the South China Sea. China says it has “irrefutable” sovereignty over the islands, also claimed parts of the sea within the maritime boundaries of Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei. The Ladakh incursion does not seem like a sudden move. It all began in June 2017 when the two countries were locked in a military standoff on Doklam plateau. China attempted to extend a road on the plateau southwards near the Doka La pass. Satellite images and intelligence reports are proof that the Chinese had been building several permanent military posts, a few helipads and new trenches not very far from Doklam. Doklam was just a prelude. China has been surreptitiously fortifying its positions along the LAC since then. China’s game plan is to impose war on India. Although Chinese officials have been maintaining that their country will never be the first to escalate the situation, their actions prove otherwise. Notwithstanding China's attempts to unilaterally change the status quo along the LAC in Ladakh, it has been blaming India for the current situation. It has put the onus on India to take steps to ease situation by withdrawing its forces from the region, while reiterating that its territory (read occupied territory) cannot be lost. The statement that Chinese military is "fully determined, capable, and confident to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity" sums up its intentions. China is eyeing one wrong move from India that will give it the sanction to escalate the situation along the border further. More than the military damages, China wants to impose a heavy cost on India so as to wreck its economy, which has been severely hit by the lockdowns imposed in the wake of the coronavirus. With Indian economy shrinking badly and the fastest of all the countries, any escalation of the situation will deal a body blow to New Delhi. If that happens then once the world’s fastest-growing economy, India will certainly slip into a mess and the recovery will take several years. With economy in tailspin, India’s influence in the region and beyond would also diminish. There would be immense pressure on the Indian leadership to take some harsh steps to recover from the economic costs that would accrue due to escalation of the situation. And this is what China wants. It wants to mute all the voices that speak of China and India as the two giants of Asia. Just like India does not want Pakistan to be counted its equal, China detests granting India any status at par with itself. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Why does China want to impose war on India?

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation during India-China standoff in several disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control in past. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-occupies-six-new-major-heights-along-lac-rafales-conduct-familiarisation-sorties-328997">Also read | India occupies six new major heights along LAC, Rafales conduct 'familiarisation sorties'</a> 
 
Post-Doklam India-China standoff, the Chinese started revising their strategy, and PLA is now reassessing, re-examining and reformulating its anti-India strategy. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indias-t-90-bhishma-battle-tank-is-outflanking-chinas-pla-at-lac-328483">In pictures: India-China standoff: How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC</a> 
 
According to a new report by Stratfor, a leading global geopolitical intelligence platform China has more than doubled its air bases, air defence positions, and heliports near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since the 2017 Doklam crisis, indicating its intent to increase military posturing in border disputes with India in the future.

“China is expanding and upgrading a large number of military facilities along its entire border with India as tensions continue to run high in the wake of the bloody clash between Indian and Chinese forces in June, followed by the reported exchange of gunfire in late August," the report says.

China has ''started constructing at least 13 entirely new military positions near its borders with India". This includes three air bases, five permanent air defence positions and five heliports. ''Construction on four of those new heliports started only after the onset of the current Ladakh crisis in May," it says.

The author of the Stratfor report Sim Tack has warned that “By forcing India to respond in kind, China’s aggressive strategy is leading to a greater concentration of military assets in heavily disputed areas along the border that could raise the risk of potential escalations and sustained conflict.”

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation during India-China standoff in several disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control in past.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation during India-China standoff in several disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control in past. Also read | India occupies six new major heights along LAC, Rafales conduct 'familiarisation sorties' Post-Doklam India-China standoff, the Chinese started revising their strategy, and PLA is now reassessing, re-examining and reformulating its anti-India strategy. In pictures: India-China standoff: How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC According to a new report by Stratfor, a leading global geopolitical intelligence platform China has more than doubled its air bases, air defence positions, and heliports near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since the 2017 Doklam crisis, indicating its intent to increase military posturing in border disputes with India in the future. “China is expanding and upgrading a large number of military facilities along its entire border with India as tensions continue to run high in the wake of the bloody clash between Indian and Chinese forces in June, followed by the reported exchange of gunfire in late August," the report says. China has ''started constructing at least 13 entirely new military positions near its borders with India". This includes three air bases, five permanent air defence positions and five heliports. ''Construction on four of those new heliports started only after the onset of the current Ladakh crisis in May," it says. The author of the Stratfor report Sim Tack has warned that “By forcing India to respond in kind, China’s aggressive strategy is leading to a greater concentration of military assets in heavily disputed areas along the border that could raise the risk of potential escalations and sustained conflict.”

After India-China standoff in Doklam, Beijing doubled its air bases, air defences and heliports near LAC: Report

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has&nbsp;failed&nbsp;to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks. While efforts for talks continue with upcoming corps commander level talks scheduled&nbsp;amidst environment of deep mistrust, there is very little hope that talks will make any worthwhile progress.&nbsp;

India should not accept that China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building measures (CBMs),&nbsp;as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in its favour and expecting India to accept nominal disengagement, while Chinese troops continue to be sitting in Depsang, Finger 8 to Finger 4, Gogra and some other areas.&nbsp;

Chinese are also not comfortable with Indian proactive gestures of effective domination of some Chushul heights/ Kailash&nbsp;range, in areas south of Pangong Tso and some heights north of Finger 4; hence the game of posturing and muscle-flexing continues with both sides refusing to blink first. &nbsp;

Chinese strategic intent

Chinese political aim in Asian context has always been to have China-centric Asia, for which Indian subordination has been its goal. Its intention was to unfairly grab strategic piece of land, presuming that India will not be able to respond due to the rising impact of COVID-19 and resultant effect on economy, besides embarrassing strongest regional competitor.&nbsp;

Indian side was quick to react to halt further encroachment and stands strong to protect its territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Chinese strategic aim to pick eastern Ladakh is to provide depth to its highway NH G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw LAC as per its perception and negotiate border thereafter. China does feel a threat with Indian dispositions in India’s Sub Sector North (SSN) including Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), infrastructure development including Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road (DSDBO), and Indian resolve to reclaim its territory of Jammu and Kashmir, posing threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)&nbsp;prospects.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/defence-procurement-time-to-change-the-old-guard-324069">Defence procurement: Time to change the old guard</a> 
 
PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations is Eastern Ladakh and build up/ intended gains in rest of LAC are efforts to pick up bargaining chips.&nbsp;

Currently, with continued build-up and both sides getting ready for long haul, the operational aim of People's Liberation Aermy (PLA)&nbsp;is to maximise its territorial gains, wherever it finds opportunity all along the LAC before onset of winters, exploiting remaining one to two months of campaigning season, before heavy snowfall.&nbsp;

It also intends not to loose any of the heights already occupied, which is evident from further build-up of forces in areas, where it encroached post-April, and strengthening fresh areas, which became vulnerable due to recent Indian domination like some heights ahead of Chushul, south of Pangong Tso.&nbsp;

It is also aiming to waste out Indian infrastructure development season, by preventing/delaying construction till snowfall, although Indian infrastructure development never stopped, but got expedited, like the pace of its capacity building, due to Chinese adventurism.&nbsp;

PLA’s tactical aim is to launch probing actions to gain some tactically significant features, sensitive to Indian defence, before heavy snowfall, which can collectively improve its strategic posture or bargaining position during subsequent talks on LAC/border issue.&nbsp;

Indian Military is well aware of these intentions; hence the reluctance of Chinese verifiable withdrawal could lead to probing actions/ reactions to improve tactical posture. Some more incidents of tug-of-war between two forces can’t be ruled out, every time Chinese try to probe into Indian territory.&nbsp;

The standoff is likely to roll over to winters for which Indian military is fully prepared, providing an option to decision-makers, not to hurry up disengagement on terms unsuitable for long term security of India. &nbsp;

Existing Chinese concerns &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Strategically, President Xi Jinping miscalculated global anger against himself, while trying to make best of Chinese early recovery from COVID-19 in an unfair manner, triggering a strong global desire to decouple from Chinese supply chain.&nbsp;

Having made an unwarranted aggressive move in Ladakh, along with similar activities in South and East China Sea, President Xi Jinping continues to underestimate collective stance of democracies.&nbsp;

China now faces major democracies standing up against its overambitious aggressive design, with few bankrupt countries standing by its side, to handle multiple engagement points.&nbsp;

The gross violation of CBMs in Ladakh by China has opened all military options for India to respond, besides responses in economic, diplomatic and other domains, with international opinion in its favour, and greater freedom of action. A pull back has a heavy domestic political cost for Xi Jinping, besides threat of occupation of vacated areas by India.&nbsp;

Pushing PLA to make some quick gains before winters and asking for talks to freeze the situation thereafter, to retain its gains is the Chinese game plan, which is against Indian security interest.&nbsp;

A transition of Chinese intent from offensive to defensive is evident, when Xi Jinping starts talking about ‘Fortifying Tibet’ due to tough Indian resolve. &nbsp;

What should be Indian responses?

The Indian national resolve, speedy mobilisation, and proactive actions have surprised China. Indian response in multiple domain (including economic and diplomatic) has triggered hard global stance against unfair adventurism of China. No country wants war; hence India has gone along with talks at various levels, so far.&nbsp;

India would like to have peaceful borders, but not at the cost of Chinese unilateral occupation of areas or changed LAC in favour of China. Talks alone are unlikely to make PLA recoil.&nbsp;

India will have to raise the cost of PLA’s presence in unauthorised areas, even if it amounts to long haul on LAC and some military options besides what is being done. &nbsp;

India needs to avoid any quick fix diplomatic solutions like five-point agreement, seeking fresh CBMs, mutual disengagement and ideas like buffer zone, which help Chinese agenda, like many other historic errors in past. Pulling back from freshly occupied heights south of Pangong Tso will be a strategic disaster for India.&nbsp;

This requires political, diplomatic and military decision-makers to be on same page. Indian strategic aim and stance should be to insist on proper delimitation and demarcation of LAC (which is difficult, but doable), pending settlement of border. Any softer stance will lead to reoccurrence of similar situation, which is not in Indian security interest.&nbsp;

What should be the global response?

The world has to realise that China has got emboldened with success of incremental encroachment of territory without fighting in past, especially in South China Sea. This prompted Xi Jinping to open multiple fronts for territorial gains amidst pandemic, diverting domestic and international criticism against himself/CCP.

With multiple fronts, exposed sea lanes of communications and isolated bases, China soon finds its vast inventory of military assets too meagre to cover all its vulnerabilities.&nbsp;

Chinese aggression on multiple fronts has necessitated need for an Indo-Pacific Alliance of democratic countries, which can be build up by strengthening Quad, by converting it to military alliance, on the lines of NATO.&nbsp;

With global economic and population fulcrum shifting to Indo-pacific, it has become inescapable for lasting peace in the region, because if Chinese assertiveness and encroachment is not controlled now, the democracies will have to face an aggressive and much stronger threat from Chinese authoritarian regime, and punishments like choking of global sea lane of communication like South China Sea. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has failed to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks.

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has failed to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks. While efforts for talks continue with upcoming corps commander level talks scheduled amidst environment of deep mistrust, there is very little hope that talks will make any worthwhile progress. India should not accept that China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building measures (CBMs), as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in its favour and expecting India to accept nominal disengagement, while Chinese troops continue to be sitting in Depsang, Finger 8 to Finger 4, Gogra and some other areas. Chinese are also not comfortable with Indian proactive gestures of effective domination of some Chushul heights/ Kailash range, in areas south of Pangong Tso and some heights north of Finger 4; hence the game of posturing and muscle-flexing continues with both sides refusing to blink first. Chinese strategic intent Chinese political aim in Asian context has always been to have China-centric Asia, for which Indian subordination has been its goal. Its intention was to unfairly grab strategic piece of land, presuming that India will not be able to respond due to the rising impact of COVID-19 and resultant effect on economy, besides embarrassing strongest regional competitor. Indian side was quick to react to halt further encroachment and stands strong to protect its territorial integrity. Chinese strategic aim to pick eastern Ladakh is to provide depth to its highway NH G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw LAC as per its perception and negotiate border thereafter. China does feel a threat with Indian dispositions in India’s Sub Sector North (SSN) including Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), infrastructure development including Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road (DSDBO), and Indian resolve to reclaim its territory of Jammu and Kashmir, posing threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) prospects. Also Read | Defence procurement: Time to change the old guard PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations is Eastern Ladakh and build up/ intended gains in rest of LAC are efforts to pick up bargaining chips. Currently, with continued build-up and both sides getting ready for long haul, the operational aim of People's Liberation Aermy (PLA) is to maximise its territorial gains, wherever it finds opportunity all along the LAC before onset of winters, exploiting remaining one to two months of campaigning season, before heavy snowfall. It also intends not to loose any of the heights already occupied, which is evident from further build-up of forces in areas, where it encroached post-April, and strengthening fresh areas, which became vulnerable due to recent Indian domination like some heights ahead of Chushul, south of Pangong Tso. It is also aiming to waste out Indian infrastructure development season, by preventing/delaying construction till snowfall, although Indian infrastructure development never stopped, but got expedited, like the pace of its capacity building, due to Chinese adventurism. PLA’s tactical aim is to launch probing actions to gain some tactically significant features, sensitive to Indian defence, before heavy snowfall, which can collectively improve its strategic posture or bargaining position during subsequent talks on LAC/border issue. Indian Military is well aware of these intentions; hence the reluctance of Chinese verifiable withdrawal could lead to probing actions/ reactions to improve tactical posture. Some more incidents of tug-of-war between two forces can’t be ruled out, every time Chinese try to probe into Indian territory. The standoff is likely to roll over to winters for which Indian military is fully prepared, providing an option to decision-makers, not to hurry up disengagement on terms unsuitable for long term security of India. Existing Chinese concerns Strategically, President Xi Jinping miscalculated global anger against himself, while trying to make best of Chinese early recovery from COVID-19 in an unfair manner, triggering a strong global desire to decouple from Chinese supply chain. Having made an unwarranted aggressive move in Ladakh, along with similar activities in South and East China Sea, President Xi Jinping continues to underestimate collective stance of democracies. China now faces major democracies standing up against its overambitious aggressive design, with few bankrupt countries standing by its side, to handle multiple engagement points. The gross violation of CBMs in Ladakh by China has opened all military options for India to respond, besides responses in economic, diplomatic and other domains, with international opinion in its favour, and greater freedom of action. A pull back has a heavy domestic political cost for Xi Jinping, besides threat of occupation of vacated areas by India. Pushing PLA to make some quick gains before winters and asking for talks to freeze the situation thereafter, to retain its gains is the Chinese game plan, which is against Indian security interest. A transition of Chinese intent from offensive to defensive is evident, when Xi Jinping starts talking about ‘Fortifying Tibet’ due to tough Indian resolve. What should be Indian responses? The Indian national resolve, speedy mobilisation, and proactive actions have surprised China. Indian response in multiple domain (including economic and diplomatic) has triggered hard global stance against unfair adventurism of China. No country wants war; hence India has gone along with talks at various levels, so far. India would like to have peaceful borders, but not at the cost of Chinese unilateral occupation of areas or changed LAC in favour of China. Talks alone are unlikely to make PLA recoil. India will have to raise the cost of PLA’s presence in unauthorised areas, even if it amounts to long haul on LAC and some military options besides what is being done. India needs to avoid any quick fix diplomatic solutions like five-point agreement, seeking fresh CBMs, mutual disengagement and ideas like buffer zone, which help Chinese agenda, like many other historic errors in past. Pulling back from freshly occupied heights south of Pangong Tso will be a strategic disaster for India. This requires political, diplomatic and military decision-makers to be on same page. Indian strategic aim and stance should be to insist on proper delimitation and demarcation of LAC (which is difficult, but doable), pending settlement of border. Any softer stance will lead to reoccurrence of similar situation, which is not in Indian security interest. What should be the global response? The world has to realise that China has got emboldened with success of incremental encroachment of territory without fighting in past, especially in South China Sea. This prompted Xi Jinping to open multiple fronts for territorial gains amidst pandemic, diverting domestic and international criticism against himself/CCP. With multiple fronts, exposed sea lanes of communications and isolated bases, China soon finds its vast inventory of military assets too meagre to cover all its vulnerabilities. Chinese aggression on multiple fronts has necessitated need for an Indo-Pacific Alliance of democratic countries, which can be build up by strengthening Quad, by converting it to military alliance, on the lines of NATO. With global economic and population fulcrum shifting to Indo-pacific, it has become inescapable for lasting peace in the region, because if Chinese assertiveness and encroachment is not controlled now, the democracies will have to face an aggressive and much stronger threat from Chinese authoritarian regime, and punishments like choking of global sea lane of communication like South China Sea.

Decoding Chinese strategic intent in prolonged standoff at LAC

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that China has illegally occupied 38,000 sq km of India's territory in Ladakh, while Pakistan illegally gave away 5,180 square kilometres of PoK's area to Beijing citing the so-called '1963 boundary agreement.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on India-China border standoff

Rajnath Singh says that China has illegally occupied 38,000 sq km of India's territory in Ladakh, while Pakistan illegally gave away 5,180 square kilometre of PoK's area to Beijing citing the so-called '1963 boundary agreement.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks in Parliament over LAC border standoff

The tensions with China in eastern Ladakh could eventually result in increased permanent deployment of forces in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

India's big push for border infra development in Ladakh

A new report has claimed that China is laying a network of optical fiber cables close to the flashpoint areas with India. Why does China need high-speed internet at the border? WION's Palki Sharma has the answer.

Gravitas: Why does China need internet at the border?

The second day of India's Parliament Monsoon Session began on September 15. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement on the India-China border standoff. He said that India will not tolerate any changes to the status quo on the Ladakh borders. The Opposition has been pressing for discussion on the ongoing standoff with China and has made several demands in meetings before the session. Watch this report to know the major takeaways of his speech.

Fineprint: Key takeaways of India's Defence Minister speech on border standoff in Lok Sabha

The second day of India's Parliament Monsoon Session began on September 15. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement on the India-China border standoff. He said that India will not tolerate any changes to the status quo on the Ladakh borders. The Opposition has been pressing for discussion on the ongoing standoff with China and has made several demands in meetings before the session.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks amid India-China border standoff in Lok Sabha

Amid tensions with India along the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">Line of Actual Control(LAC)</a>, China's foreign ministry on Tuesday denied reports that Chinese troops are laying fibre optic cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint.

In a&nbsp;news briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said ''China and India will remain in communication through diplomatic and military channels''.

Earlier, two Indian officials had said that&nbsp;China is laying a network of cables to bolster communications at the line of actual control (LAC).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-china-laying-cables-to-bolster-communications-at-border-flashpoint-327610">India says China laying cables to bolster communications at border flashpoint</a>

According to the officials, the PLA intends to stay on the border for a long time and hence it is trying to strengthen its communication system.

Such cables, which would provide forward troops with secure lines of communication to bases in the rear, have recently been spotted to the south of Pangong Tso lake in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, a senior government official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-army-gains-upper-hand-and-control-of-commanding-heights-in-ladakh-326703">India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh</a>

Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops backed by tanks and aircraft are locked in an uneasy stalemate along a 70 km-long front to the south of the lake. Each country has accused the other of escalating the standoff.

Indian Army has gained the upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh close to the Chinese positions.&nbsp;

Despite the LAC continues to escalate despite a&nbsp;meeting between India's external affairs minister S.Jaishankar&nbsp;and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Moscow.

Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries&nbsp;after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), China's foreign ministry on Tuesday denied reports that Chinese troops are laying fibre optic cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint.

Amid tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), China's foreign ministry on Tuesday denied reports that Chinese troops are laying fibre optic cables at a western Himalayan flashpoint. In a news briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said ''China and India will remain in communication through diplomatic and military channels''. Earlier, two Indian officials had said that China is laying a network of cables to bolster communications at the line of actual control (LAC). Also read: India says China laying cables to bolster communications at border flashpoint According to the officials, the PLA intends to stay on the border for a long time and hence it is trying to strengthen its communication system. Such cables, which would provide forward troops with secure lines of communication to bases in the rear, have recently been spotted to the south of Pangong Tso lake in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, a senior government official said. Also read: India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh Thousands of Indian and Chinese troops backed by tanks and aircraft are locked in an uneasy stalemate along a 70 km-long front to the south of the lake. Each country has accused the other of escalating the standoff. Indian Army has gained the upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh close to the Chinese positions. Despite the LAC continues to escalate despite a meeting between India's external affairs minister S.Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Moscow. Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

India-China standoff: China denies reports of troops laying cables at LAC

The overall situation at friction points in eastern Ladakh remains unchanged and continues to be tense, even as foreign ministers of India and China agreed on a five-point plan to resolve the prolonged border standoff a few days back.

Sources also said both the Indian and Chinese troops are firmly holding onto their respective positions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). And while the situation in the region continues to be tense, no fresh movement of Chinese troops was witnessed.

The Indian Army will not lower its guard and will maintain the current state of very high-level of combat readiness in eastern Ladakh till there are visible changes in the ground situation, the sources added.

The much-anticipated Corps commander-level talks are likely to take place in the next few days. The military talks are expected to focus on implementation of certain provisions of the five-point consensus to ease tensions.

India and China reached an agreement to resolve their border row at a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow last Thursday on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet.

The agreement included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.

It also mentioned that the two sides should expedite work to conclude "new confidence building measures" to enhance peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The agreement has, however, not mentioned any timeline for disengagement of troops.

Meanwhile, Chinese envoy Sun Weidong, referring to consensus reached during previous talks between leaders of the two countries, said both sides should "pursue win-win cooperation" instead of "zero-sum game".

The envoy further said: "As long as the two sides keep moving the relationship in the right direction building on the previous achievements, there will be no difficulty or challenge that can't be overcome."

The five-point consensus at the Jaishankar-Wang talks came days after a fresh confrontation between the two armies early last week in eastern Ladakh that triggered a massive military build up by both sides at almost all friction points along the LAC.

The Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have been locked in a tense standoff in multiple areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since early May. Shots were fired across the LAC on Monday last for the first time in 45 years with the two sides accusing each other of firing in the air.

In the five rounds of the Corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April. The face-off in eastern Ladakh erupted on May 6.

At the Jaishankar-Wang talks, the Indian delegation highlighted its strong concern over amassing of troops and military equipment by China along the LAC besides referring to "provocative behaviour" by Chinese army personnel at numerous incidents of friction.

The Indian side clearly conveyed that it expected full adherence to all agreements on management of border areas and would not countenance any attempt to change the status quo unilaterally, according to the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA).

Last week, the Army further bolstered its dominance over a number of strategic heights overlooking key Chinese-held positions around the Pangong lake area in eastern Ladakh&nbsp;

The overall situation at friction points in eastern Ladakh remains unchanged and continues to be tense, even as foreign ministers of India and China agreed on a five-point plan to resolve the prolonged border standoff a few days back.

The overall situation at friction points in eastern Ladakh remains unchanged and continues to be tense, even as foreign ministers of India and China agreed on a five-point plan to resolve the prolonged border standoff a few days back. Sources also said both the Indian and Chinese troops are firmly holding onto their respective positions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). And while the situation in the region continues to be tense, no fresh movement of Chinese troops was witnessed. The Indian Army will not lower its guard and will maintain the current state of very high-level of combat readiness in eastern Ladakh till there are visible changes in the ground situation, the sources added. The much-anticipated Corps commander-level talks are likely to take place in the next few days. The military talks are expected to focus on implementation of certain provisions of the five-point consensus to ease tensions. India and China reached an agreement to resolve their border row at a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow last Thursday on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet. The agreement included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC. It also mentioned that the two sides should expedite work to conclude "new confidence building measures" to enhance peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The agreement has, however, not mentioned any timeline for disengagement of troops. Meanwhile, Chinese envoy Sun Weidong, referring to consensus reached during previous talks between leaders of the two countries, said both sides should "pursue win-win cooperation" instead of "zero-sum game". The envoy further said: "As long as the two sides keep moving the relationship in the right direction building on the previous achievements, there will be no difficulty or challenge that can't be overcome." The five-point consensus at the Jaishankar-Wang talks came days after a fresh confrontation between the two armies early last week in eastern Ladakh that triggered a massive military build up by both sides at almost all friction points along the LAC. The Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have been locked in a tense standoff in multiple areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since early May. Shots were fired across the LAC on Monday last for the first time in 45 years with the two sides accusing each other of firing in the air. In the five rounds of the Corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April. The face-off in eastern Ladakh erupted on May 6. At the Jaishankar-Wang talks, the Indian delegation highlighted its strong concern over amassing of troops and military equipment by China along the LAC besides referring to "provocative behaviour" by Chinese army personnel at numerous incidents of friction. The Indian side clearly conveyed that it expected full adherence to all agreements on management of border areas and would not countenance any attempt to change the status quo unilaterally, according to the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA). Last week, the Army further bolstered its dominance over a number of strategic heights overlooking key Chinese-held positions around the Pangong lake area in eastern Ladakh

Situation in eastern Ladakh unchanged, continues to be tense: Sources

A meeting between the Foreign Ministers of India and China ended without any concrete results. China has made vague commitments on de-escalation.

Gravitas: India-China border standoff: New Delhi must lay down pre-conditions for talks

The Chinese Army has returned the five Indian youths who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-pla-confirmed-missing-youths-from-arunachal-pradesh-found-on-their-side-government-326017">Also Read:&nbsp;China's PLA confirmed missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh found, says&nbsp;Government</a>

The Indian hunters were handed over to Indian authorities by the PLA at Kibitu in Arunachal Pradesh, the defence ministry said.

The Indian Army had approached the PLA on a hotline to trace and return the youths and on September 8, the response on the hotline confirmed that the missing individuals had been found.

The hunters will be quarantined for 14 days according to COVID-19 protocol and will then be handed over to their families.

The five hunters from upper Subansiri district had inadvertently strayed across the LAC. The Army said, "three such incidents have taken place in the current year in Upper Subansiri and West Siang district, including the latest incident."

The Army informed that adventurous people fond of exploring nature for medicinal herbs and possessing traditional flair for hunting which involves surviving off the land for weeks in the jungles and far-flung remote areas stay to the other side of the LAC.

The Chinese Army has returned the five Indian youths who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last week. Also Read: China's PLA confirmed missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh found, says Government The Indian hunters were handed over to Indian authorities by the PLA at Kibitu in Arunachal Pradesh, the defence ministry said.

The Chinese Army has returned the five Indian youths who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Actual Control(LAC) last week. Also Read: China's PLA confirmed missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh found, says Government The Indian hunters were handed over to Indian authorities by the PLA at Kibitu in Arunachal Pradesh, the defence ministry said. The Indian Army had approached the PLA on a hotline to trace and return the youths and on September 8, the response on the hotline confirmed that the missing individuals had been found. The hunters will be quarantined for 14 days according to COVID-19 protocol and will then be handed over to their families. The five hunters from upper Subansiri district had inadvertently strayed across the LAC. The Army said, "three such incidents have taken place in the current year in Upper Subansiri and West Siang district, including the latest incident." The Army informed that adventurous people fond of exploring nature for medicinal herbs and possessing traditional flair for hunting which involves surviving off the land for weeks in the jungles and far-flung remote areas stay to the other side of the LAC.

China's PLA hands five youths to India who had inadvertently crossed LAC; set to be quarantined for 14 days

China is running out of options. Sources tell WION that the Indian Army has captured dominating heights close to Chinese positions in Ladakh.

Gravitas: India-China border standoff: Indian Army Captures Dominating Heights

Major General Shashi Asthana (retired) told WION that recent reports of Indian army holding out certain heights on top of Finger 4 at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) is a very good move because if tomorrow Indian forces have to push out the Chinese from Finger 4 by force it will be easier because the heights are at the juncture of Finger 3 and 4.

Video Opinion: India holding large number of hights which are crucial its defence at LAC

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met in Moscow on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) Foreign Ministers meet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-corps-commander-level-talks-soon-forces-just-300-meters-away-in-some-places-326671">Also Read:&nbsp;India-China corps commander level talks soon; forces just 300 meters away in some places</a>

It is the first in-person meet between the two ministers since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">India-China tension</a> started in May.

Both FMs had spoken to each other after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualty but never came out with the figures.

During that conversation, the Indian side had told the Chinese side that "Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties", ministry of external affairs readout said.

Both FMs have seen face-to-face three times in Moscow on Thursday - first at SCO FMs meet, then for the Russia, India and China FMs Lunch and now for the bilateral meet.

Last week saw the defence ministers of the two countries meeting on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers meet in Moscow.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met in Moscow on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) Foreign Ministers meet.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met in Moscow on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) Foreign Ministers meet. Also Read: India-China corps commander level talks soon; forces just 300 meters away in some places It is the first in-person meet between the two ministers since the India-China tension started in May. Both FMs had spoken to each other after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualty but never came out with the figures. During that conversation, the Indian side had told the Chinese side that "Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties", ministry of external affairs readout said. Both FMs have seen face-to-face three times in Moscow on Thursday - first at SCO FMs meet, then for the Russia, India and China FMs Lunch and now for the bilateral meet. Last week saw the defence ministers of the two countries meeting on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers meet in Moscow.

India, China foreign ministers meet in Moscow amid standoff at LAC

The Indian Army on Tuesday said Chinese troops attempted to close in on an Indian position near the southern bank of Pangong lake on the evening of September 7

India occupies several dominating heights: Govt sources

India's strategy on LAC has gone from being reactive to pro-active while China's response is that of surprise and frustration which has been evident in their media meltdown and 3am press releases and the road ahead ideally should have a well-defined border.

Starting with India's strategy, for many decades India's strategy was don't ask, don't tell, that is - don't confront China, don't tell how much land China is grabbing, piecemeal, so that things do&nbsp;not come to a head but in 2017, India and China witnessed a major standoff.

China tried constructing a road in Doklam and India stopped it and that's when Beijing got the first taste of India's new approach. In the years since India has ramped up its border construction. China tried to oppose it but India has stood its ground.

On June 15, when the PLA provoked Indian soldiers with nail-studded clubs in Galwan, they were paid back in the same coin and then weeks of talks followed but India did not cede ground, instead, India took vantage points, like Rezang La.

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Indian soldiers are dominating the heights spread over 50 kilometres and now talking to China from a position of strength. The Indian troops did not wait for China's next move, they went ahead and secured better positions.

China is not used to such posturing by India. Beijing is surprised, and rattled, so much so, that it broke the 45-year record of no shot after its soldiers fired at the LAC for the first time since 1975 and all this happened around 7pm.

China issued 3am press statements and the tone was of urgency and victimhood. There were two things - first, India's dominance of the heights in Ladakh and second, the public funeral of a Tibetan soldier. A Tibetan trooper who died in Ladakh, he was fighting for India against China. His story rallied Tibetans in India's favour.

However, Beijing wanted to change the narrative but firing shots did not help, so within hours, it changed tack, and started playing the victim. It said Indian soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control, entered Chinese territory and fired at Chinese troops.

China also deployed its propaganda machine to amplify the pitch and on cue, Chinese state media went into a collective meltdown.

The Global Times has been tweeting restlessly all day saying "India could be lifting rocks to drop on its own feet".

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s firing of shots at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/border?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#border</a> is an attempt to push for talks with China on border issues with force, but in the end, it could be lifting rocks only to drop them on its own feet: experts <a href="https://t.co/BtkOYH90Y2">https://t.co/BtkOYH90Y2</a>
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1303246341498257408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Global Times editorial claims India's bravado will backfire. There are many more in this vein with hollow, shrill bluster exposing China's desperation. India's tactical moves are delivering. Its proactive approach means that it is speaking to China in the only language that it understands - the language of strength and power.

The meeting of the two foreign ministers in Moscow should yield something, a breakthrough would be too much to hope for but talking is the best option. The ball is in China's court. It can do three things - first, it can go back, which would be the best for everyone, second, it can escalate the situation which would be the worst-case scenario and third, it can continue with the status quo with India breathing down its neck which China ideally wouldn't like because militarily and diplomatically it is at a disadvantage.

So talking and de-escalating is China's best bet with several rounds of border talks in the last couple of decades which have all been inconclusive.

What we see today is a manifestation of the unresolved issues of the past the baggage of 1962. The only way to fix this is for China to agree to define a border, demarcate the Line of Actual Control- the undefined border - coupled with China's endless appetite for land is the root cause of all problems.

India's strategy on LAC has gone from being reactive to pro-active while China's response is that of surprise and frustration which has been evident in their media meltdown and 3am press releases and the road ahead ideally should have a well-defined border.

India's strategy on LAC has gone from being reactive to pro-active while China's response is that of surprise and frustration which has been evident in their media meltdown and 3am press releases and the road ahead ideally should have a well-defined border. Starting with India's strategy, for many decades India's strategy was don't ask, don't tell, that is - don't confront China, don't tell how much land China is grabbing, piecemeal, so that things do not come to a head but in 2017, India and China witnessed a major standoff. China tried constructing a road in Doklam and India stopped it and that's when Beijing got the first taste of India's new approach. In the years since India has ramped up its border construction. China tried to oppose it but India has stood its ground. On June 15, when the PLA provoked Indian soldiers with nail-studded clubs in Galwan, they were paid back in the same coin and then weeks of talks followed but India did not cede ground, instead, India took vantage points, like Rezang La. × Indian soldiers are dominating the heights spread over 50 kilometres and now talking to China from a position of strength. The Indian troops did not wait for China's next move, they went ahead and secured better positions. China is not used to such posturing by India. Beijing is surprised, and rattled, so much so, that it broke the 45-year record of no shot after its soldiers fired at the LAC for the first time since 1975 and all this happened around 7pm. China issued 3am press statements and the tone was of urgency and victimhood. There were two things - first, India's dominance of the heights in Ladakh and second, the public funeral of a Tibetan soldier. A Tibetan trooper who died in Ladakh, he was fighting for India against China. His story rallied Tibetans in India's favour. However, Beijing wanted to change the narrative but firing shots did not help, so within hours, it changed tack, and started playing the victim. It said Indian soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control, entered Chinese territory and fired at Chinese troops. China also deployed its propaganda machine to amplify the pitch and on cue, Chinese state media went into a collective meltdown. The Global Times has been tweeting restlessly all day saying "India could be lifting rocks to drop on its own feet". #India's firing of shots at #border is an attempt to push for talks with China on border issues with force, but in the end, it could be lifting rocks only to drop them on its own feet: experts https://t.co/BtkOYH90Y2 — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) September 8, 2020 × The Global Times editorial claims India's bravado will backfire. There are many more in this vein with hollow, shrill bluster exposing China's desperation. India's tactical moves are delivering. Its proactive approach means that it is speaking to China in the only language that it understands - the language of strength and power. The meeting of the two foreign ministers in Moscow should yield something, a breakthrough would be too much to hope for but talking is the best option. The ball is in China's court. It can do three things - first, it can go back, which would be the best for everyone, second, it can escalate the situation which would be the worst-case scenario and third, it can continue with the status quo with India breathing down its neck which China ideally wouldn't like because militarily and diplomatically it is at a disadvantage. So talking and de-escalating is China's best bet with several rounds of border talks in the last couple of decades which have all been inconclusive. What we see today is a manifestation of the unresolved issues of the past the baggage of 1962. The only way to fix this is for China to agree to define a border, demarcate the Line of Actual Control- the undefined border - coupled with China's endless appetite for land is the root cause of all problems.

Standoff at LAC: India's strategy, China's response and the road ahead

India had faced a humiliating defeating at the hands of the Chinese in 1962 but despite overwhelming odds, the Indian troops were able to give a bloody nose to the Chinese at Rezang La.

Now, with the India-China standoff escalating, this territory is back in focus.

Indian soldiers had fought the Chinese to the last bullet during the 1962 war, 58 years later, both sides are back to where it all began - the Pangong Tso lake.

The flashpoint this time is the southern bank with one of the areas where the Indian soldiers have come face-to-face with the PLA being Rezang La which is a mountain pass that has been a battleground for India and China in the past.

In November 1962, China had launched a silent attack on Rezang La, an isolated Indian forward post which was targeted from multiple directions despite being cornered and outnumbered the Indian soldiers fought bravery leading them was Major Shaitan Singh the company commander who crawled from trench to trench reorganizing the defences and motivating his men, despite suffering injuries.

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The Indian soldiers fought to their last rounds, however, they were eventually overpowered by the Chinese. Major Shaitan Singh succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra -India's highest military honour.

The Chinese soldiers used every trick in the book to take control of Rezang La because of its geographic location. The mountain pass lies on the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chinese troops have tried to capture strategic positions. Now, they are on the back foot. India has taken control of key mountain heights. It gives Indian soldiers a clear view of potential paths of ingress allowing India to push back any Chinese advances.

China wants control over the southern bank of Pangong Tso, one of the possible paths for an incursion attempt is through Rezang La.

Last month, India had thwarted a Chinese incursion attempt in the southern bank - an area that is easier to traverse due to the flatter terrain. India has control of the southern bank&nbsp;and Indian soldiers can block Chinese incursions because they have access to strategic heights like Rezang La also, the Spanngur gap - a potential route to Leh for Chinese soldiers if they ever attempt a full-scale invasion.

Guarding Rezang La is critical for India as it blocks China from more military adventurism in the disputed region. India has been carefully watching the movements of the PLA. The southern bank of Pangong Tso is among the few sectors that can be used as a launchpad for an offensive. During the 1962 war, both banks witnessed a Chinese offensive with India losing territory on both sides.

More than 50 years after the war, China is back to seize more land but it is India, that has the advantage this time.

India had faced a humiliating defeating at the hands of the Chinese in 1962 but despite overwhelming odds, the Indian troops were able to give a bloody nose to the Chinese at Rezang La.

India had faced a humiliating defeating at the hands of the Chinese in 1962 but despite overwhelming odds, the Indian troops were able to give a bloody nose to the Chinese at Rezang La. Now, with the India-China standoff escalating, this territory is back in focus. Indian soldiers had fought the Chinese to the last bullet during the 1962 war, 58 years later, both sides are back to where it all began - the Pangong Tso lake. The flashpoint this time is the southern bank with one of the areas where the Indian soldiers have come face-to-face with the PLA being Rezang La which is a mountain pass that has been a battleground for India and China in the past. In November 1962, China had launched a silent attack on Rezang La, an isolated Indian forward post which was targeted from multiple directions despite being cornered and outnumbered the Indian soldiers fought bravery leading them was Major Shaitan Singh the company commander who crawled from trench to trench reorganizing the defences and motivating his men, despite suffering injuries. × The Indian soldiers fought to their last rounds, however, they were eventually overpowered by the Chinese. Major Shaitan Singh succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra -India's highest military honour. The Chinese soldiers used every trick in the book to take control of Rezang La because of its geographic location. The mountain pass lies on the Line of Actual Control(LAC), Chinese troops have tried to capture strategic positions. Now, they are on the back foot. India has taken control of key mountain heights. It gives Indian soldiers a clear view of potential paths of ingress allowing India to push back any Chinese advances. China wants control over the southern bank of Pangong Tso, one of the possible paths for an incursion attempt is through Rezang La. Last month, India had thwarted a Chinese incursion attempt in the southern bank - an area that is easier to traverse due to the flatter terrain. India has control of the southern bank and Indian soldiers can block Chinese incursions because they have access to strategic heights like Rezang La also, the Spanngur gap - a potential route to Leh for Chinese soldiers if they ever attempt a full-scale invasion. Guarding Rezang La is critical for India as it blocks China from more military adventurism in the disputed region. India has been carefully watching the movements of the PLA. The southern bank of Pangong Tso is among the few sectors that can be used as a launchpad for an offensive. During the 1962 war, both banks witnessed a Chinese offensive with India losing territory on both sides. More than 50 years after the war, China is back to seize more land but it is India, that has the advantage this time.

Why guarding Rezang La is crucial to keep China at bay along LAC

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