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China Objects to India-China Borderline in Bangladesh Textbooks

February 19, 2025, 5:09 am

Beijing has raised objections over the India-China borderline depicted in Bangladesh’s textbooks, claiming inaccuracies that do not align with China’s territorial stance. The issue was highlighted by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, during a press conference in Dhaka.

China’s Concerns Over the Map

Speaking to the media, Yao Wen stated that some maps and related content in Bangladeshi textbooks and official websites contain “incorrect references” to China, including its provinces, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the India-China borderline.

? China’s stance: The ambassador emphasized that the ‘One China policy’ is the foundation of international relations and reiterated that Taiwan and Hong Kong are integral parts of China.

? Bangladesh’s response: While Bangladeshi officials have not made public statements, an unnamed government official stated that the textbook map had remained unchanged for years and that China only objected now. However, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to the One China policy and stated that any inconsistencies would be corrected.

China’s Strategic Interests in Bangladesh

Beyond the map controversy, China has also expressed interest in several major projects and defense deals in Bangladesh:

✅ Teesta River Mega Project: Beijing has reiterated its willingness to implement the Teesta River project in northern Bangladesh, amid ongoing protests by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over India’s water policies.

✅ Defense Deals: China is keen on selling arms to Bangladesh at competitive prices, claiming they are well-suited for the country’s defense needs.

✅ Aircraft Sales: China Southern Airlines plans to sell 9-10 secondhand aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with an auction expected in April.

Diplomatic Sensitivities and Future Implications

This controversy highlights the growing geopolitical tensions in South Asia, where Bangladesh must balance its relations between China and India. While Dhaka has maintained a neutral stance, its handling of this dispute will be closely watched by both New Delhi and Beijing.

VIDEO| Kiren Rijiju’s Diwali: Meets China PLA’s Soldiers in Arunachal

November 1, 2024, 10:54 pm

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared a video on Friday revealing his interaction with soldiers from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) along the Sino-Indian border near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Rijiju was visiting an Indian Army post in the region to celebrate Diwali with Indian troops stationed there.

Watch:

After talking to Chinese soldiers and seeing the infrastructures, everyone will feel proud of India's border development now.
Celebrated Diwali at Bumla with our Army Jawans in Arunachal Pradesh. #HappyDeepavali2024 #Diwali pic.twitter.com/l17nwI4KYa

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 1, 2024

In the video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs can be seen speaking with three PLA soldiers through an interpreter. During the conversation, Rijiju inquired about the soldiers’ well-being and how they manage while posted at such a high-altitude area, located at an elevation of 15,000 feet. The Chinese soldiers assured him that they were well-adjusted to the environment and had no difficulties performing their duties in the region.

Reflecting on the interaction, Rijiju wrote on X, “After talking to Chinese soldiers and seeing the infrastructures, everyone will feel proud of India’s border development now.” Rijiju, who is originally from Arunachal Pradesh, also spent time with Indian Army personnel, sharing Diwali celebrations with them in the spirit of solidarity. “Since you are far away from home during Diwali, we have also decided to be away from home and spend time with you,” he expressed to the soldiers, emphasizing his support for the troops stationed in the remote, challenging terrain.

India-China Border Issue

Rijiju’s meeting with Chinese soldiers came just a week after India reached an agreement with China on a plan for patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This agreement marked significant progress in efforts to resolve the military standoff that has persisted for over four years. The recent breakthrough followed a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Russia.

In a show of goodwill, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged Diwali sweets at multiple points along the LAC, a tradition marking mutual respect and temporary harmony on festive occasions. This exchange came shortly after the completion of disengagement at two long-standing friction points in eastern Ladakh, specifically Demchok and the Depsang Plains.

The relationship between India and China has faced severe strains since April 2020 due to heightened Chinese military activity along the LAC, the de facto border. Tensions escalated further on June 15, 2020, when 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty while preventing a Chinese advancement in the Galwan Valley. This incident marked one of the deadliest encounters in recent history between the two nations, pushing bilateral relations to a breaking point.

Rijiju’s engagement with PLA soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh underscores the delicate and complex nature of the India-China relationship, which continues to be influenced by efforts toward peace on one hand and strategic caution on the other.

Satellite Images Reveal Progress in India-China Disengagement at Ladakh Border

October 26, 2024, 11:37 am

In the wake of a new patrolling arrangement between India and China, satellite images reviewed by India Today confirm that disengagement activities have begun in the contested areas of Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh. The latest images, taken Friday, reveal a decrease in military structures, hinting at a possible resolution to the prolonged standoff ahead of winter. However, a significant presence of Chinese military structures remains, reflecting the extent of the buildup over the years. Both countries anticipate the disengagement process will conclude shortly.

Key Disengagement Sites Observed

The satellite imagery, supplied by US-based Maxar Technologies, shows noticeable dismantling of shelters and other structures. The clearest indication of progress is seen in Depsang near Patrol Point 10, where a large shelter, long-standing since the standoff’s early days, has now been removed. Images from August 7 showed the structure intact, while the October 25 imagery revealed it had been flattened. Further south, images of Demchok taken between October 9 and October 25 display similar removal of shelters, consistent with disengagement steps.

In another point in Depsang, most structures and large transport vehicles at a military outpost have been moved, indicating a reduction in Chinese military presence.

Diplomatic Efforts Reinforce Disengagement Progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently discussed these developments at the BRICS summit in Russia, marking their first bilateral engagement since 2019. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of peace along the border and underscored the need for “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.”

Background of the Ladakh Standoff

The standoff began in May 2020 and intensified after the violent Galwan Valley clash in June of that year, which resulted in casualties on both sides. Since then, a series of military discussions has led to partial withdrawals and the establishment of buffer zones in several areas, including Galwan, Pangong Tso, and Gogra-Hot Springs. These buffer zones, intended to stabilize tensions, have restricted patrolling activities and, according to some experts, may ultimately strengthen Chinese territorial claims.

Depsang and Demchok have remained contentious despite these previous disengagement agreements. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently confirmed that patrolling and grazing rights in these areas will be restored to their pre-2020 status, with earlier disengagement agreements remaining in effect.

Strategic Importance of Depsang and Demchok

Since the onset of the standoff, Indian forces faced limitations near the ‘Y Junction’ in Depsang, restricting access to patrol points 10 to 13, which mark India’s perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Meanwhile, China has constructed a network of roads and semi-permanent posts in areas claimed by India.

Though no joint statement was released, both countries separately acknowledged the disengagement progress. To avoid further misunderstandings, both nations will monitor activities in Depsang and Demchok closely, with soldiers communicating before patrols.

China’s New Heliport Near Arunachal Pradesh Heightens Border Tensions

September 18, 2024, 12:29 pm

Construction Advancements and Strategic Implications

A new heliport being built 20 kilometers east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh’s sensitive ‘Fishtails’ region could significantly enhance China’s military capabilities in the area. Located along the Gongrigabu Qu river in Tibet’s Nyingchi Prefecture, the heliport’s construction has accelerated since December 2023, with recent satellite images from September 16, 2024, showing it in an advanced state of development.

Experts, including geospatial analyst Damien Symon, highlight that this facility will bolster the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The heliport addresses logistical challenges in the dense, rugged terrain of the region, enabling rapid troop deployment and reinforcing China’s strategic presence in these remote, critical areas.

Dual-Purpose Facility and Military Enhancements

Military sources indicate that the heliport may serve both military and civilian purposes, potentially facilitating the movement of civilians while enhancing China’s defensive and offensive capabilities. The facility, featuring a 600-meter runway and multiple hangars, is strategically positioned to support helicopter operations in the relatively lower altitudes of the area, which are more favorable for aviation compared to the higher Tibetan plateau.

The heliport’s development coincides with China’s broader strategy of constructing dual-use villages along its frontier with India. These ‘Xiaokang’ villages are part of China’s effort to assert territorial claims and alter the status quo along the LAC, a tactic described by India’s late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat as “salami slicing.”

India’s Countermeasures and Strategic Response

In response to China’s actions, India has initiated the ‘Vibrant Villages’ project, aimed at developing 3,000 villages in Northeastern border states, including Arunachal Pradesh, with an initial budget of ₹4,800 crore. Additionally, a 2,400-kilometer trans-Arunachal highway is under construction to improve connectivity and reduce travel time to frontline Army posts.

Lt General Pravin Bakshi (retired), former head of the Eastern Command, has expressed concerns that the new heliport could pose a threat to sensitive areas along the LAC. He suggests that the Indian Army may need to coordinate with the Air Force to develop an appropriate response to prevent potential “grey-zone” warfare, which involves non-traditional conflict methods that challenge stability without reaching the threshold of conventional warfare.

The construction of the heliport reflects a shifting strategic landscape and underscores the ongoing tensions and competition between India and China over their shared border regions.

China Tightens Grip : How Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh Heighten India’s Worries

August 13, 2024, 12:03 pm

India has to deal with the tremendous changes that have occurred recently in the geopolitical scene, especially in South Asia. For example, India has experienced a significant shock from the recent coup in Bangladesh.

As the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee famously said, “You can change your friends, but not your neighbors.” India’s continuous conflict with several of its unfriendly neighbors is brought to light by this.

Currently, India’s neighbors are grappling with political instability. Bangladesh, which was once politically and economically stable, has recently experienced a coup, leading to significant unrest. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and has sought refuge in India.

Aside from Bhutan, most neighboring countries now have governments with anti-India tendencies. In Nepal, the leadership has recently shifted to a pro-China administration. Bangladesh is currently under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, but upcoming elections could result in a government that may adopt an anti-India stance.

The Impact of Bangladesh’s Crisis

Bangladesh was founded with India’s assistance, and their relationship has traditionally been strong. Sheikh Hasina, who was known for her close ties with India, played a crucial role in this relationship. Her removal from power could pose difficulties for India. Recently, Hasina cut short a visit to China and returned to Bangladesh, where she emphasized India’s role in the Teesta project, expressing a preference for India to complete it.

With Hasina no longer in power, the possibility of an anti-India government taking over is increasing. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia and Jamaat-e-Islami are potential contenders. These parties are more aligned with Islamic extremism and have stronger ties with Pakistan, which could benefit China due to its close relationship with Pakistan.

Additionally, Hasina’s administration had been active against anti-India terrorist groups, and her departure could lead to increased terrorist infiltration into Bangladesh.

China’s Expanding Influence in the Region

The instability in Bangladesh is not only a concern for India but also for Bangladesh itself, which faces issues with unemployment and inflation. Bangladesh is likely to want to maintain a good relationship with India for economic reasons.

There is also a possibility that Bangladesh might strengthen its ties with China. Under Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh balanced relations between India and China.

China’s Growing Presence Around India’s Neighbors

China’s influence is expanding in South Asia, encircling India with strategic alliances:

Sri Lanka: The country has been struggling with instability largely due to China’s influence. Under the Rajapaksa government, Sri Lanka’s ties with China deepened, leading to heavy debt. Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in April 2022 with over $51 billion in debt. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who succeeded Rajapaksa, is working on economic recovery. The upcoming elections in September-October 2024 will be crucial. Wickremesinghe’s victory would be favorable for India, but if another party wins, it could pose challenges.

Pakistan: India and Pakistan have had tense relations since their partition in 1947, including three wars, two of which were over Kashmir. Pakistan’s historical military rule and anti-India stance continue. Pakistan has deepened its alliance with China, which has invested heavily in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China covers most of the costs, worsening Pakistan’s economic situation and increasing its debt.

Myanmar: Myanmar has been embroiled in civil conflict for over three years. In February 2021, the military overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The current military regime has intensified ties with China. Myanmar’s economy is heavily burdened by Chinese debt and may face bankruptcy soon.

Maldives: Mohamed Muizzu, elected last year, has strained relations with India through his “India Out” campaign. Muizzu is pro-China, and relations between India and the Maldives have deteriorated since his election. His predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had strengthened ties with India. Muizzu has signed numerous agreements with China to reduce dependency on India, though his administration is now reconsidering its stance, suggesting India will be the first to respond in times of trouble.

Bhutan: Surrounded by India, Bhutan is moving closer to China. Negotiations to resolve border disputes with China are in the final stages. Disputes involve areas like Doklam and others. If an agreement is reached, Chinese troops could come closer to India, as seen during the 2017 Doklam standoff.

Nepal: K.P. Sharma Oli, who became prime minister last month, has closer ties with China compared to his predecessor Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ who was seen as pro-India. Oli’s government joined the BRI in 2017 and has taken a negative stance toward India. In 2019, Oli claimed Indian territories as part of Nepal, and a new map in May 2020 included these areas.

India’s Response

To maintain relationships with its neighbors and counter China’s influence, India has been providing substantial aid. The 2024-25 budget includes approximately ₹4,000 crore for aid to seven neighboring countries.

India has invested heavily in its neighbors, excluding Pakistan. South Asia is increasingly becoming a battleground between China and India. Through the BRI, China has expanded its influence in South Asia, surrounding India. To counter this, India’s economic assistance to these countries is essential.

The NDA government’s “Neighbour First” policy aims to keep neighboring countries engaged and reduce China’s influence in the region.

India And China Agree To Expedite Troop Withdrawal From Disputed Border

July 26, 2024, 1:20 pm

On Friday India’s government announced that India and China have agreed to work urgently to withdraw tens of thousands of troops stationed along their disputed border, aiming to resolve a long-running standoff.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Thursday during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Laos. They emphasized the need for an early resolution of outstanding issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the disputed Himalayan border between the two nations.

LAC separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. Relations between the two countries deteriorated in July 2020 after a military clash resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers, leading to a prolonged standoff in the rugged mountainous region. Both sides have stationed tens of thousands of military personnel, supported by artillery, tanks, and fighter jets.

According to an Indian statement, the two foreign ministers “agreed on the need to work with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest.” The statement highlighted that peace on the border is essential for restoring normalcy in ties between the two countries.

Jaishankar remarked that the border issues have “cast a shadow” over India-China relations for the past four years despite considerable efforts by both sides to resolve them. “The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties,” he stated.

Wang Yi stressed that improving China-India relations is beneficial for both countries and other nations, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency. Both sides agreed to work together to maintain peace in border areas and push for progress.

India and China fought a war over their border in 1962. The Line of Actual Control divides areas of physical control rather than territorial claims. India asserts that the de facto border is 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles) long, while China claims a considerably shorter distance.

Top Indian and Chinese army commanders have held several rounds of talks since the 2020 clash to discuss the disengagement of troops from tension areas, signaling a mutual interest in de-escalating the conflict.

EAM Jaishankar On China: ‘It Has Violated Agreements And Sent Large Troops To The Border’

May 13, 2024, 4:19 pm

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar addressed misconceptions regarding China’s actions and India’s response, highlighting the need for accurate understanding and support for national efforts.

Dr Jaishankar emphasized that Indian land was taken by China between 1958-1962, clarifying that this loss occurred in 1962. He criticized attempts to mislead the public, pointing out the unfairness of holding Prime Minister Modi responsible for past actions under Nehru and Bhutto without acknowledging their culpability.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by China, Dr Jaishankar noted violations of agreements and increased troop deployments at the border. Despite these challenges and the impact of Covid, India responded robustly by counter-deploying troops, a move that has effectively held the border.

Dr Jaishankar called for support and pride in India’s military forces, highlighting their resilience and dedication. He expressed concern over negative sentiments and running down of national institutions, stressing the need for unity and confidence in the country’s capabilities.

“Indian land was taken by China between 1958-1962…When you say land taken by China, please understand that this land was lost in 1962…I see efforts to mislead the country…Congress is holding Modi responsible for Nehru’s actions in 1949 and Bhutto’s actions in 1963. But apparently, they have no culpability…Yes, there is a challenge from China, yes, it has violated agreements and sent a large number of troops to the border. But the country should take pride in the fact that despite Covid, we counter-deployed and sent a record number of troops to the border. Those troops today are holding their own. The country should be supporting the military, not running them down…This running down your own people, your forces is a sad thing. A lot of the country is very unhappy about it.”

The statement from EAM Dr S Jaishankar reflects an accurate understanding of historical contexts, and unwavering support for India’s efforts in dealing with challenges from China. It underscores the importance of national pride and solidarity in navigating complex geopolitical issues.

Manish Tewari gives adjournment notice in Lok Sabha for detailed discussion on India-China border issue

February 8, 2023, 1:44 pm

Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday gave adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha to have a “detailed discussion” on the country’s border issue with China. In December 2022, a clash took place along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh amid the border standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh. To discuss the matter, Tewari gave an adjournment notice earlier as well where he termed the clashes “another indication of China’s steady aggression aimed at changing the status quo on the border”.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande visits troops along LAC in Arunachal

January 23, 2023, 12:01 pm

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS),on Sunday paid visit to troops and formations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Army Chief Pande received a briefing on the security environment and operational readiness.

Officials stated on Monday that the CoAS “complimented troops for maintaining keen vigil and also advised everybody to continue working with the same passion and commitment.”

General Pande’s visit occurred more than a month after an altercation between Indian and Chinese forces on the LAC in the Tawang area of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9.

The Indian Army stated in a statement in December: “On December 9, PLA soldiers made contact with the LAC in the Tawang Sector, which was fiercely resisted by our (Indian) troops. A few staff members from both sides of this confrontation suffered minor injuries.”

“Right away, all participants left the area. Following the incident, the local (Indian) commander had a flag conference with his counterpart to examine the matter in light of the established procedures for reestablishing calm and harmony “It read.

There are places of different perception along the LAC in the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, where both sides police the area up to respective claim lines. According to reports, this has been the pattern since 2006.

The recent clashes along the LAC are a signal of a new normal that is a militarised LAC.

Rajnath Singh to visit Arunachal Pradesh to launch key infra projects

January 3, 2023, 10:56 am

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Arunachal comes a month after Indian and Chinese troops clashed at the LAC (Line Of Actual Control). He is to inaugurate various Border Roads Organisation projects (BRO) projects. The most significant of these is the 100-metre-long Siyom bridge over the river Siyom as it will provide a strategic advantage to the military in mobilising troops and heavy equipment.

IPAC: A KEY OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIA TO STEM CHINESE GEOPOLITICAL OVERTURES

December 12, 2020, 3:49 am

Half a century has gone by but little has changed in India’s dovish approach to China’s overbearing and increasing influence. Neither has the Chinese line of thought budged from following the aphorisms of Sun Tzu, an ancient military strategist who encouraged the nation to appear weak when strong and strong when weak.

Since its inception in 1949, this one-party communist state has engaged in maleficent practices of political repression, mass surveillance, censorship and human rights abuses. And yet, the communist state has commanded a key place in the diplomatic sphere of the world.

The country with a known record of human rights violation was once again appointed to the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2020, even after 39 nations lambasted China at the UN General Assembly for its abuse of Uyghur Muslims, an ethnic minority in the Xinjiang region of the country and its conduct in crushing dissent with force in Hong Kong.

DUBIOUS FOOTING

The economic reforms introduced by China in 1978 brought in a cascade of significant achievements for the country and made it the world’s fastest growing consumer market while developing the world’s largest banking sector and raking in the highest exports. Today, China has become the second largest economy in the world with a GDP of $13.6 trillion, trailing only behind the US. From a defence perspective, China is a recognised nuclear weapons state that has the world’s largest standing army and the second largest defence budget.

With a place in the UN Security Council, a growing economy, rapid infrastructural development and expanding military, China is now characterised as an emerging superpower. Such an incremental rise in its economic, defensse and technological prowess makes it an imposing political entity in the eyes of the world’s leading democracies, including India. In 2013, China initiated the Belt and Road Initiative, an infrastructure project to build overland routes for road and rail transportation through the land locked regions of Central Asia—a move aimed at the creation of a Sino-centric international trade network.

Though China contends that the project has provided markets for commodities, created employment and stimulated industrialisation and technology transfer for host nations, many critics believe that the initiative is a form of neo-colonialism. The allegation has some basis since the funds that China gives to nations under BRI often involve the practice of debt diplomacy, a practice in which the lending nation seeks to saddle the borrowing nation with enormous amounts of debt in order to leverage power over it.

FLAGRANT VIOLATIONS

With its increasing financial, military and technological power, China has escalated conflicts with other nations over the last few years. Those nations having an interest in the South China Sea and nations such as India with whom it shares a border are often at the receiving end of China’s threats and aggressions. The recent clashes in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in a confrontation with Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) demonstrates how fast hostilities between the two nations can boil over into armed conflicts.

INDIA’S MOMENT

Keeping in view China growing political, economic and military assertions that pose an imminent threat to democratic ideals globally, an international group of parliamentarians from 19 democratic nations—known as the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC)—was formed in June 2020.

Till now, India is not a part of this alliance of democratic nations that has representation from legislators from the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and UK, amongst others. Joining such a global alliance could provide India a platform to bring international attention to the many issues that involve China. From aggressions on the border, to the South China Sea and the plight of Tibetans, several issues of Chinese expansionism with global significance have a direct impact on India. As a democratic nation that aims for peace and progress globally, India has a responsibility to voice its concerns with China’s growing aggression on international forums. Taking a leadership role in global issues involving China will also serve to strengthen India’s position as a growing power that stands for human rights and democratic ideals.

Asia lacks a multinational, democratic alliance to collectively respond to threats that China poses to all other nations in the region. India can play a pivotal role in leading Asian nations into global alliances such as IPAC that are attempting to build coalitions that can preserve democratic values around the world.

The writer is the founder of Red Lantern Analytica, an international affairs observer group based in New Delhi.