Defence Current Affairs: China in New Border Dispute with Bhutan!

China is pulling back troops from the site of a deadly border clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers, as Beijing opened another front in the region's territorial disputes with a new claim in nearby Bhutan. In this article, we will know all about this dispute which is important for all competitive exams like CDS, CAPF, NDA, Airforce X & Y and other exams of UPSC, etc

The new territorial claim has been made by China in the eastern sector of Bhutan's Trashigang district.

China's Claim:

• China's new claim over the Sakteng sanctuary came to light last month during a virtual meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This multilateral, international initiative works in partnership with the United Nations (UN).
• During a discussion in the meeting on a project for the sanctuary, it was described as a disputed territory.

Image Source: Businessworld.com

• According to Beijing, the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is part of China-Bhutan disputed areas on which China-Bhutan had the boundary talks.
• According to China, the boundary between China and Bhutan has never been delimited. China has had disputes over the eastern, central and western sectors of Bhutan.

What is Bhutan's stand on China's claim?

Bhutan said the claim of China are false, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral and sovereign territory of Bhutan. At no time during the boundary discussions between Bhutan and China, it has called it a disputed area. Bhutan has conveyed its stand to China through its embassy located in New Delhi— since both countries don't have embassies in each other's countries.

Bhutan- China Border Dispute

Both countries do not have any formal diplomatic relations, both the countries communicate through their embassies located in Delhi.

Both countries have a dispute in only two sectors of the border, 

• One in the north (central) which is Pasamlung and Jakarlung 
• Second, in the west, which is Doklam.

Image Source The Quint

It was never mentioned as disputed territory by China or Bhutan, in 24 previous rounds of boundary negotiations held between the two countries between 1984 and 2016.

Concern for India

• Beijing's new territorial claim is a part of the larger Chinese tactics of putting pressure on India's smaller neighbours, to punish them for support and closeness to India. 
• China had intruded into Doklam plateau in 2017, which is claimed by Bhutan, leading to support to Bhutan from India and a standoff between Indian and Chinese Armies. 

Image SOurce Tibetsun.com

Possible reasons for this act of China

1. Put Pressure on India
2. Divert the attention of India from Ladakh region

Sakteng is located along the border with Arunachal Pradesh; China also has claimed over some part of it.

India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty

According to the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007, the Indian military is responsible for protecting Bhutan from the kind of external threat that China's military poses.

• In India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 1949, Bhutan allowed India to "guide" its foreign policy and defence affairs.
• In 2007 this treaty was amended to respect the sensitivities of Bhutan regarding its sovereignty.
• Under the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty (2007), the two sides have made commitments to cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests.
• Neither Governments shall allow the use of their territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.

Conclusion

Bhutan has protested against the claims of China in eastern Bhutan and said that it would also contest in future if China refers to the territory as disputed. 

China is not only showing its aggression towards India but its other neighbours also. Chinese aggression is a concern for both India and Bhutan. There is a need for both sides need to work together on this issue.

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