To Whom It May Concern,
A border clash, as you know, took place between Indian and Chinese soldiers near the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state on Friday. According to available sources including the BBC, a minor clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers happened along the Line of Actual Control. Notably, this clash, which is the first incident between the two Asian powers in nearly two years, did not result in any major consequences except several minor injuries on both sides. But border clashes between the Indian army and China’s People’s Liberation Army that sometimes lead to heavy casualties raise tension between the countries frequently with an increased chance of military escalation.
Notably, clashes are frequent events between the countries along their border in the Himalayan region because of territorial disputes and other causes. Notably, the two Asian countries that fought one war in 1962 and engaged with several major clashes including the Galwan Valley battle in 2020 has 3,440 kilometer long disputed border. Moreover, two nuclear power holding countries are geo-political and geo-economic competitors, compete against each other to build infrastructure along the border and accuse each other of overstepping the borderline or seeking to expand their territory frequently. To prevent clashes and maintain peace, both countries made several agreements including the 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas.
The possibility of a major clash is less between the neighboring countries at this moment. Yet, putting emphasis on efforts to mitigate border clashes and reduce the chance of escalated border conflicts is important. In this respect, the continuation of the regular border clash mitigation mechanisms especially flag meetings or border personnel meetings that sometimes take place between the countries is imperative. But regular efforts need to be strengthened and made more effective. Also, talks among political leaders of India and China are crucial to reduce the chance of major border clashes and their escalation into any war between the countries.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
