According to a new study published in the journal PLOS One, Chinese incursions along its border with India are not accidental incidents, but are planned incursions to gain permanent control over disputed border areas. Since the 2020 Galwan conflict, the border issue remains a major issue between the neighbours. Several rounds of diplomatic and military-level meetings have taken place between India and China on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India has repeatedly emphasized that India-China relations cannot be normal as long as the border situation is in place and if China disturbs peace in the border areas, it will further affect the relations.
A new study titled “Rising Tension in the Himalayas: A Geospatial Analysis of Chinese Border Intrusions in India” has shed light on how China intrudes into the Indian border region.
The study, published on November 10 in the journal PLOS ONE, said, “We assembled a data set on incursions along the LAC that were reported in the media. From our analysis we conclude that Chinese incursions in the west and east are independent ”
It argued that militarily, the West and the East could be seen as two separate conflicts. “Moreover, Chinese invasions do not seem to be random encounters, but strategically consistent with optimal play in the Blotto game,” the study said, adding that tensions fluctuate (number of annual incursions) between the West and the East. According to the research, tensions escalate after major skirmishes or standoffs, which occur in the six most disputed red zones in the western sector, including Depsang, Pangong and Doklam. Later bilateral talks take place so that further escalation of the conflict can be prevented.”
The study suggests that India should increase its presence in the red zones and counter Chinese incursions by forging stronger partnerships. “The military effort to increase its presence in the red zones and counter Chinese incursions requires a major effort by India which can only be achieved through aid by a stronger partnership,” it argues. Is.
Last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the outgoing Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong, and stressed that peace in the border areas is essential for maintaining bilateral ties.
Jaishankar tweeted after meeting Sun, “Welcome Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong for farewell call. Emphasizes that the development of India-China relations is guided by the 3 mutuals. Peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential. ”
“The normalization of India-China relations is in the interest of both the countries of Asia and the world,” he said in another tweet.