Face-Off Between India and China in Galwan Valley: An Analysis of Chinese Incursions and Interests

Abstract

The face-off between India and China in the Galwan valley raises questions about Chinese incursion and interests in the valley. In early days of May 2020, the PLA settled with tents, trenches, and all requisite equipment into Indian claimed territory, consequent to India having built a several hundred kilometers long road, which connected to their airbase. The PLA movement is not a routine incursion according to observers in Delhi as according to the Chinese view, India has changed facts on the ground. As of June 2020, soldiers from both militaries have clashed on several occasions in Ladakh. The aim of this paper is to analyze in detail the PLA’s incursion and interests in the Galwan valley and the factors that moved the Chinese Forces for this incursion. The paper concludes that although this is not a routine face to face conflict, however, it is not gearing up to full-scale war.

Keywords: Face-off, India and China, Galwan valley, Chinese incursion, Ladakh

JEL Classification: 100