Latest news with #borderTensions
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
India and China strive to reset ties but with caution
After years of border tensions, India and China appear to be gradually moving towards resetting ties - but larger challenges and suspicions visit of two senior Indian officials to China late last month was seen as a sign of a thaw in bilateral June, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also made separate visits as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meetings. The SCO is a 10-member Eurasian security grouping that also includes China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. Singh's visit was the first by a senior Indian official to China in five the heart of India-China tensions is an ill-defined, 3,440km (2,100-mile)-long disputed border. Rivers, lakes and snow-caps along the frontier mean the line often shifts, bringing soldiers face to face at many points, sometimes sparking skirmishes. The crisis escalated in June 2020 when the two forces clashed in the Galwan valley in Ladakh in what was the first fatal confrontation between them since 1975. At least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died. Stand-offs between the militaries have since taken place in several geopolitical uncertainty and ground realities appear to have nudged the two sides to find common ground on several issues. Late last year, they reached an agreement on the main friction points in Ladakh. In January, Delhi and Beijing agreed to restore direct flights and relax visa curbs that were imposed after the 2020 clash. The same month, Indian pilgrims were allowed to visit a sacred mountain, the Kailash, and a holy lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region after a gap of six experts point out there are other hurdles. For India, China is the second-largest trading partner with bilateral trade reaching more than $127bn (£93.4bn) last year. It relies heavily on Chinese imports, particularly rare earth minerals. Peace in border areas, therefore, is essential to boost economic ties. With its increasing focus on Taiwan, Beijing also wants peace in its Himalayan border with India - for now. But at a strategic level, China suspects that Western nations are using India to counterbalance its rise and growing influence. So, in addition to solving the border dispute, Beijing would want improvements in other areas as well, as it hopes to counter Delh's increasing dependence on the US and its allies for security. This includes more Chinese exports; increasing investments in India, and the removal of visa restrictions for Chinese engineers and workers. (India had banned dozens of Chinese apps and imposed restrictions on Chinese investments in the aftermath of the 2020 clash, citing security concerns). Fast-changing geopolitics - particularly in the US since President Trump assumed a second term in power - has also compelled Delhi to reach out to China, experts say. "India thought it would be a very close strategic ally [of the US] but they were not getting the support they were expecting from Washington," Professor Christopher Clary of University of Albany in New York tells the BBC. During recent border tensions with arch-rival Pakistan in May, Delhi also witnessed the growing military co-operation between Beijing and Islamabad. Pakistan used Chinese made fighter jets, air defence systems and air-to-air missiles in the four-day the aftermath of the conflict, Trump repeatedly asserted that he had mediated between the two sides for a embarrassed Delhi which insists that it directly spoke with Pakistani officials to stop the fighting, and vehemently denies any third-party later, Trump also hosted Pakistani army chief Asim Munir for lunch at the White House, much to the dismay of Delhi. At the same time, the US and India are also engaged in frantic talks to reach a trade agreement. Trump has already threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, if a deal is not reached by 1 August .Is the 'big, beautiful' India-US trade deal in trouble?"Given President Trump's statements about the mediation between India and Pakistan and about the trade talks, there's a feeling in Delhi that this is the time to reach out to countries like China," Clary says. Strategic experts argue that Washington views Delhi as a bulwark against an increasingly assertive China. But given the US president's unpredictability, there are now doubts in Delhi about how far the US will go to support India in any future conflict with Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – known as the Quad – involving the US, Japan, Australia and India has taken a back seat during the Trump administration's second term. "In recent years, China has also significantly increased its influence in other multilateral organisations like the SCO and the Brics grouping of emerging economies," says Phunchok Stobdan, a former senior Indian India is taking a pragmatic approach, he says. "At the same time, it does not want to be seen yielding too much to the Chinese demands for domestic reasons," he adds. And it's not just the US - India is also keenly watching how its long-time ally and major weapons supplier Russia leaned towards Beijing due to the war with sanctions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has increased Moscow's reliance on China for energy exports. Moscow also depends on Beijing for critical imports and investments, all of which has made Delhi wary of the Kremlin's position in any future confrontation with China. China is also using its industrial might to squeeze many nations that depend on its imports - and countries like India feel the restrictions might impact their economic growth."China has lately been utilising trade as a weapon against India, suspending crucial exports such as rare earth magnets and fertilisers. These actions could affect India's manufacturing and agricultural sectors," Mr Stobdan earth magnets are especially crucial for automobile, home appliance and clean energy sectors. China imposed restrictions on its imports starting from April, requiring companies to obtain permits. An Indian automobile industry association has warned that production could be severely impacted if the restrictions are not eased soon. Following these apprehensions, the Indian government said it was holding talks with China is keen on boosting business, it hasn't shown any signs of compromise on its other territorial disputes with recent years, it has increasingly asserted its claim over the entire north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing calls Southern asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and points out that people of the state regularly vote in elections to choose their state government and there's no room for any compromise."If China and India would not abandon the concept of sovereignty, then they will continue to fight forever. If they can reach a deal on Southern Tibet [or Arunachal Pradesh], then the two countries would have eternal peace," Prof Shen Dingli from the Fudan University in Shanghai tells the now, both Delhi and Beijing are aware that their territorial dispute cannot be solved in the near seem willing to strike a working relationship that's mutually beneficial, and would want to avoid tensions altogether, rather than relying on any global power bloc for BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
NHK
04-07-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Singapore PM urges dialogue in Thai-Cambodian dispute
Singapore's prime minister has called on dialogue to resolve the ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated after a military clash in May. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong posted on Facebook after meeting his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen in Phnom Penh on Wednesday. Wong wrote that he "highlighted the need for both sides to exercise restraint and de-escalate the situation." He also urged both nations to continue dialogue "to resolve the matter amicably, in accordance with international law." He added ASEAN countries cannot afford to let disputes divide them amid increasingly uncertain global circumstances. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia soared after their armed forces exchanged fire along the border on May 28. One Cambodian soldier was killed in the incident. Since then, both sides have implemented measures to restrict the movement of people and goods across the border. A phone call between Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen over the issue was leaked, causing political turbulence in Thailand.
NHK
30-06-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Thai PM's popularity tumbles to 9.2% amid Cambodia row
A new survey shows Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's popularity has plunged, with just 9.2 percent of respondents saying they support her. Criticism has been growing over her handling of recent border tensions with Cambodia. The poll, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, asked 2,500 people who they think is best suited to lead Thailand, with the country facing ongoing political turbulence. The results, published Sunday, show Paetongtarn's support has tumbled from 30.9 percent in the same survey back in March. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the opposition People's Party tops the latest poll with 31.48 percent, up from 25.8 percent in the previous survey. Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday calling for Paetongtarn's resignation. She's facing backlash over a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. During their conversation about the border disputes, she seemed to disparage a Thai Army commander. Earlier in June, a group of senators filed a petition with Thailand's Constitutional Court demanding the prime minister be removed from office. The court is expected to decide Tuesday whether to take up the case.
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
The Lens: Tensions escalate between Cambodia and Thailand
Thoughts from last week Praveen Sathappan Narayanan, 11, Island School Praveen Sathappan Narayanan attends Island School. Photo: Handout Tensions are high between Cambodia and Thailand following the death of a Cambodian soldier in May in a disputed border area between the two countries. I believe the long-term implications of this situation could lead to increased conflict, economic strain from trade restrictions and regional instability. Additionally, it may result in heightened discrimination against Cambodian immigrants in Thailand, exacerbating social issues. To reach a compromise, both countries should engage in bilateral talks to address the situation, possibly involving neutral parties or organisations, such as the United Nations, to help ease tensions. I think Cambodia's decision to take the incident to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was appropriate, as involving a third party could help mitigate tensions. However, I believe Cambodia should have prioritised bilateral talks with Thailand before engaging with the ICJ, as the court's involvement further complicates the situation. Recently, Thailand has imposed border restrictions on Cambodia as a means of exerting economic pressure. At the same time, Cambodia has responded by banning Thai dramas, closing a popular border checkpoint and cutting internet bandwidth from Thailand. I disagree with both countries' actions, as these measures, presented as being in the interest of national welfare, ultimately harm their citizens. Cambodia and Thailand must prioritise immediate dialogue despite their historical disputes. While involvement with the ICJ can provide some relief, constructive dialogue is essential. Trade bans only exacerbate the situation and negatively impact citizens. Collaborative efforts are crucial for fostering peace and stability in the region. Read up on this issue in last week's The Lens Thank you for your participation in The Lens! Thank you for your participation in The Lens! The Lens is a way for students to connect with global issues and topics. It encourages you to think critically and articulate your opinions. The Lens lets us step out of our bubble in Hong Kong and learn about problems around the world. The Lens will not be featured in the summer editions of Young Post. But we are grateful for the dozens of amazing submissions and responses from our Junior Reporters. But don't worry – Young Post always has plenty of opportunities for budding journalists! You can still write for other columns this summer, such as Face Off! If you want to be even more involved, you can apply to become a Junior Reporter using this link. We look forward to seeing more of your writing in the coming school year!
Bloomberg
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
India Presses China to Demarcate Disputed Himalayan Border
Sign up for the India Edition newsletter by Menaka Doshi – an insider's guide to the emerging economic powerhouse, and the billionaires and businesses behind its rise, delivered weekly. India's defense minister Rajnath Singh pressed his Chinese counterpart to move forward on demarcating the disputed Himalayan frontier, in a bid to ease border tensions and strengthen ties between the world's two most populous nations.
