A border dispute between China and India has been escalating in recent weeks, and analysts claim that there is no resolution in sight.
The two nations are feuding over territory at the intersection of the Chinese, Indian and Bhutanese borders. China claims that Indian troops are on its soil, while India and Bhutan claim that the maintain that the land in question in the Doklam area is Bhutanese.
The situation became tense when Chinese construction crews moved into the area Bhutan considers its territory at the beginning of June, and Bhutan called on India to resist them. Now about 3,000 troops from both sides are occupying reportedly stationed near Doka La, The Guardian reports.
It is the longest standoff between the two nations since a border dispute of Tibet back in 1962, which erupted into a full-blown war and China came out on top.
India is especially sensitive to the dispute because it brings Chinese troops closer to a crucial Indian supply corridor, known as the "chicken's neck" which could cut New Delhi off from northeastern states.
Ashok Malik, an analyst at Delhi's Observer Research Foundation, told The Guardian that China is continuing its attempts to hem India's influence in South Asia. Mr Malik said it's a "provocative" gesture on behalf of China, but he doesn't foresee a conflict taking place. "I don't expect a conflict, but I expect both sides to stay put as long as Chinese supply and logistical lines will allow."
China has called for Indian troops to immediately withdraw from the area, while India has responded that it has no intention of doing so.
Despite the standoff, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinpin were convivial when they met at the recent G-20 summit in Hamburg.
Newshub.
