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7 January 2026|The Indian Express
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International RelationsPolity & GovernanceEnvironment & EcologyEXPLAINED

LAC Tensions: China's Ambiguity as Pressure Point, Expert Explains

Expert analysis: China uses border ambiguity to exert pressure on India.

Scrabbled letters spelling the word border on a wooden table
Border Dispute

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Background Context

The roots of the India-China border dispute trace back to the colonial era, particularly the Simla Convention of 1914, which attempted to define the boundary between Tibet and British India. This convention led to the McMahon Line, which India considers its eastern border with China. However, China disputes this line, claiming that Tibet did not have the authority to enter into such an agreement. The Aksai Chin region in the western sector is another point of contention, as China controls it but India claims it as part of Ladakh. The 1962 Sino-Indian War was a direct result of these unresolved border issues, leading to significant territorial losses for India and a frozen relationship for many years. Subsequent attempts to resolve the dispute through negotiations have yielded limited success, with differing interpretations of historical maps and treaties continuing to fuel the disagreement. The concept of 'Line of Actual Control' (LAC) emerged after the 1962 war, representing the areas each side effectively controlled, but even this has remained ambiguous and contested.

According to an expert, China is using the ambiguity surrounding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and unsettled borders as a pressure tactic against India. The expert highlights that China's strategy involves maintaining a level of uncertainty to keep India on edge and to gain leverage in negotiations. This approach is seen as a way for China to assert its territorial claims and to influence India's foreign policy decisions. The analysis emphasizes the need for India to strengthen its border infrastructure and diplomatic efforts to counter China's assertive behavior. The article also touches upon the broader geopolitical context, including the increasing competition between India and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Facts

1

China uses LAC ambiguity as pressure tactic

2

Uncertainty to keep India on edge

3

Assert territorial claims, influence policy

Latest Developments

In recent years, border infrastructure development by both India and China has intensified, leading to increased patrols and face-offs. India's focus has been on improving roads, bridges, and airfields along the LAC to enhance military mobility and connectivity to remote areas. China has similarly invested heavily in infrastructure on its side, including the construction of new villages in disputed areas. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the border issue have continued through various rounds of talks, but a breakthrough remains elusive. The Doklam standoff in 2017 and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 marked significant escalations in tensions, highlighting the fragility of the border situation. Looking ahead, experts anticipate that the border dispute will remain a complex and challenging issue, requiring sustained diplomatic engagement and military preparedness from both sides. The rise of QUAD and India's growing strategic alignment with the US further complicates the dynamics, influencing China's approach to the border issue.

2 Key Concepts to Understand

This article covers important concepts like Indo-Pacific Region, Diplomacy. Understanding these will help you answer exam questions better.

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