The Dynamics of Territorial Dispute Tension between China and India Over the years
- China India Territory Dispute Tension Timeline
- How does the China India territorial dispute affect regional stability?
There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth. - Chanakya
The harsh reality of inter-state relations, where Self Interest is always the main driver behind every alliance and friendship. In the international geopolitical scene, one that illustrates this situation is the bilateral relationship between India and China which is colored by border disputes. Tensions between these two Asian giants have never really subsided, despite various efforts to reduce the conflict
In the 1950s, China and India's bilateral relations were closely connected like brothers or known as "Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai", unfortunately this condition did not last long until the 1962 border conflict which caused a setback in bilateral relations and finally did not return to normal until the late 1980s.
When the cold war period ended, the two countries agreed to reform their bilateral relations, to engage in various cooperation frameworks in various political, economic, social, cultural and other fields. At the international level, both countries have participated in various international initiatives such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). But the situation of territorial disputes continues to be a source of rift in bilateral relations between the two.
As expressed by geopolitical expert Henry Kissinger, that conflicts between two great powers will adapt to geopolitical changes to defend their interests In this context, it reveals that efforts to maintain and strengthen the strategic position by the Great Power, namely China and India involved in border conflicts, will continue to increase their military strength and troops on the border.
The border war between India and China in 1962 marked the starting point of a series of tensions that continue to this day to prove how fragile peace in the region is. It has had a traumatizing effect on India.
In understanding the dynamics of relations between the two countries, it appears that the border conflict between India and China is not simply a matter of territorial claims. It is a manifestation of a game of power and self-interest between two large countries that continue to try to reshape the geopolitical map of Asia.
In line with John Mearsheimer's opinion, he asserts that "Great powers are always searching for opportunities to gain power over their rivals, with territorial expansion being one of the primary means." In this context, the tensions between India and China reflect the ongoing efforts of both countries to strengthen their strategic position in Asia.
Timeline of China - India Territorial Dispute Tensions
1. Sino Indian War (1962)
The Sino-Indian War is documented as the first major physical confrontation in the history of China India relations. The beginning of this tension was caused by China building a 750-mile road across the Aksai Chin, this road is the link between Tibet and Xinjiang, which includes 112 miles over Indian claimed territory.
