China vs. India

These two countries are both neighbors and part of the same intergovernmental organization. But they are big enemies and have border skirmishes all the time. Why?

The reason is land gain. When Tibet was independent of China, the border with India was not clearly defined. So when China took control of Tibet, it decided to expand its territory by taking advantage of the unclear borders. In 1962, China invaded India in two primary places: the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh. India could not counter the attack because it was struggling with its conflict with Pakistan. Eventually, the Chinese troops left India, and a peace agreement was drawn up. China would get the Shaksgam Valley and Aksai Chin regions, but India would hold Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.

Even though the war ended 60 years ago, the conflict is still raging on. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own and border skirmishes are still frequent there. Will any of this come to an end? Will China stop trying to get into Arunachal Pradesh? Only time will tell.

By Mihir Gupta