The world’s attention is focused on the war between Russia and Ukraine. If we look anywhere else, we tend to think of the South China Sea and how tensions are rising between China and Taiwan.
Though one of the most dangerous places in the world right now is actually the border between India and China.
On Tuesday evening, fighting broke out; world leaders are now concerned if an all-out war could break out between India and China.
It wouldn’t be the first time.
India and China’s History of War
The China-India War lasted from October–November 1962. It resulted in China seizing territory and advancing closer to India along the country’s northern border.
Fighting has broken out in past years as tensions rise. Pakistani ally China seeks to continue pushing its power.
On Tuesday night, India announced that fresh fighting broke out after Chinese troops crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The alleged incursion occurred on December 9 when Chinese troops tried to storm the LAC in India’s eastern region of Arunachal Pradesh. The demilitarized zone leads to troops trying to use any weapons on hand including sticks and stones.
Troops mauled each other with homemade bats and any rocks they could find, bringing to mind the border clashes in the Galwan Valley in 2020.
This is when Chinese troops killed 20 Indian soldiers in a surprise night attack, pushing them off cliffs and bludgeoning them to death along the LAC.
India and China troops clash on Arunachal Pradesh mountain border
中印冲突再起，官媒毫无报道s伤人数 pic.twitter.com/52eV3F2s36— China Forbidden中国禁闻 (@yeyouwei3) December 13, 2022
India’s Defense Minister Responds
In this latest attack, Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh praised India’s “brave” troops, saying they responded to the Chinese aggression “resolutely” and stopped the incursion from getting any further.
No deaths were reported; although there were reportedly several injuries on both sides of the clash. The previous 2020 flare-up in Galwan killed 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed, as well.
The LAC stretches for over 2,000 miles and has been a point of fighting ever since China and India’s 1962 war.
Both sides disagree about where the LAC is, especially as weather changes make some areas melt or get covered in ice and snow.
Singh said India is taking this as a “diplomatic” matter so far and talking directly to China, telling them to stop their troops from trying to cross into India, but it’s clear that this could flare up again at any time.
India-China clash at the border 🔥
We are grateful for our Army who are saving us from all evils 👿 #IndianArmy #Soldierspic.twitter.com/VMT9wzAKdf
— Maruthi (@Maruthi0305) December 13, 2022
Details of the Attack Released
The Chinese say the border is fairly “stable” and they’re not that concerned; although he said India should do more to keep things safe there.
The latest fight involved 300 attacking Chinese soldiers and around 80 Indian soldiers and lasted from about 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Watching Closely
This is a region we will be watching closely. The chance of war between China and India has never been higher.
