Tensions escalate, China and India send troops to their common border
Tensions between Beijing and New Delhi on the "roof of the world" have escalated, with China accused of moving thousands of troops to disputed territory and expanding an air base in the region.
|
| Chinese and Indian soldiers. Photo: PTI |
Thousands of Chinese soldiers have moved into sensitive areas along the Ladakh border, setting up tents and placing heavy machinery in what India considers its territory, according to the Guardian.
In response, the Indian army also dispatched several infantry battalions normally based in Leh, Ladakh, to alert areas along the border and brought in additional reinforcements to the area.
India Today also published satellite video showing China mobilizing more than 5,000 combat-ready soldiers, setting up machinery and tents in sensitive areas on the border, raising concerns about an open conflict.
The moves followed two clashes between Chinese and Indian soldiers on May 5 and 9 in the disputed area around Pangong Lake and North Sikkim, which left 100 soldiers from both sides injured.
Yesterday (May 28), speaking to reporters at the White House, US President Donald Trump said, "a major conflict" is taking place between China and India.
“There is a major conflict between India and China,” Trump was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. “Two countries, each with 1.4 billion people, with powerful militaries. India is not happy and neither is China.” Trump had previously offered to mediate between the two countries.
