Indian troops resort to aggressive patrolling in Ladakh to thwart China

China has been cornered after the coronavirus outbreak. Now, the world is saying China must pay.  The United States -  China’s biggest trading partner has threatened to cut off ties and Australia has pushed for an investigation into the outbreak. 

The world is asking questions that China doesn't like, so the country has decided to play the distraction game by creating multiple theatres of conflict in order to flex its power and frighten critics.

China has been asserting itself in the South China Sea. It is also challenging American positions on the high seas. The country has also hit back at Australia with tariffs and bans - and now China is needling India too. 

China has been creating tensions along the India border especially in Ladakh. The situation is precarious in Ladakh. Reports say the Chinese military is increasing its troops. The PLA has sent a clear signal – it won’t back down. 

Two different reports say that the Chinese have bolstered their presence in the Galwan Valley and the Pangong Tso lake. In the Galwan Valley reports say that the Chinese have erected 100 tents which happened in the last two weeks. Another report says more than five thousand Chinese soldiers have intruded into five points in Ladakh. 

Four incursions have been reported along the Galwan river which is part of the valley. The fifth incursion was reported near the Pangong lake. There are several reports which confirm multiple transgressions from the Chinese side. 

India has responded with aggressive patrolling matching up to the Chinese build-up. It comes after reports of two incidents in Ladakh and Sikkim. On  May 5, Indian and Chinese soldiers had clashed with both sides suffering injuries. Last week, Chinese choppers were spotted flying close to the border.

While India's support to the West is a matter of concern for China, it can’t be the only reason for military aggression. 

India has stepped up its border infrastructure which allows quick mobilization. It also brings troops from both sides in closer proximity and increases the chances of a flare-up.

India's infrastructure development hasn't gone down well with the PLA. For the moment, however, neither side is saying very much.

But, for China, the issue of territory is a matter of nationalism. China has many unresolved territorial disputes in the neighborhood. In fact, it repeatedly uses border issues to needle India and it uses every opportunity to repeat its point especially on maps.

China wants to keep the border issue boiling to prevent the world from asking questions about the Wuhan virus. The Communist Party of China is facing its biggest test - a test of relevance both – on the international stage as well as at home.

The people of China, however much censored, are also asking questions from the government which does not want to answer.