Over the last two months, the two nuclear-powered countries of China and India have been enveloped in a conflict that has mostly gone unnoticed due to North Korea’s nuclear threats. It all…
Over the last two months, the two nuclear-powered countries of China and India have been enveloped in a conflict that has mostly gone unnoticed due to North Korea’s nuclear threats. It all stems from an event that took place in the middle of June when a construction crew with the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered the isolated Doklam plateau.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Chinese entered the area with earth-moving construction vehicles and other equipment. They then “attempted to build a road” in the secluded region that is mostly populated by Bhutanese shepherds and is claimed as part of the small Asian Kingdom. However, the PLA crew were confronted by a patrol from the Royal Bhutan Army. Two days later, Indian soldiers showed up to the area and set up shop. Since then hundreds of India soldiers have been in a standoff with the Chinese.
India and Bhutan have long been allies, with India providing them with military support. According to an analysis that IndiaSpend did on data from the country’s foreign ministry, Bhutan has been the largest recipient of Indian foreign aid in terms of amount and share for the past 17 years. India also values the small country of only about 800,000 people due to their growing hydroelectric power potential and key strategic location.
