The Economist on the deadly clash between India and China

The Indian and Chinese armies have locked their horns in a stand-off at three sites along their disputed border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) grabbed 40 to 60 square kilometres of territory that India considers to be its own.

It was claimed by the People’s Liberation Army that an Indian patrol tried to dislodge a Chinese position on the south bank of the Galwan River, an area that was supposed to be a buffer zone.

The Economist reported that in retaliation, the PLA launched what India called a “premeditated and planned” attack with rocks and nail-studded clubs, during which Indian troops fell and were pushed down a steep slope into the river below. Some were beaten to death; others died of hypothermia.

Many have speculated that the causality of the recent stand-off lies in the power differential between the two Asian giants. Others say that India’s flirtation with the U.S. is being watched closely by Beijing and China wants to teach India a lesson.

China is also at pains with the rebalancing coalition created under the “Quad”, comprising America, Australia, India, and Japan.

On the other front, India is also having a hard time when Nepal passed a new map that claims Indian territory.