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India-China dispute: The border row explained in 400 words India-China dispute: The border row explained in 400 words
(3 months later)
A military stand-off between India and China on their disputed border in the Himalayas has escalated into deadly clashes. Relations between India and China have been worsening over the past few months, and the two world powers are facing off against each other along their disputed border in the Himalayan region.
In 400 words, here is all the important background to help you understand what is going on. In 400 words, here's some background to help you understand what's going on.
What happened in the clash? What's the source of tension?
At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in Monday night's incident. It happened in Galwan Valley in the disputed Ladakh region. The root cause lies in an ill-defined, 3,440km (2,100-mile)-long border that both countries dispute.
China accused Indian troops of crossing the border twice, "provoking and attacking Chinese personnel". Rivers, lakes and snowcaps along the frontier mean the line can shift, bringing soldiers face to face at many points, sometimes leading to confrontation.
Both sides insisted that no shots were fired. Indian officials gave accounts of fighting with bare hands, iron rods and stones. The two nations are also competing to build infrastructure along the border, which is also known as the Line of Actual Control. India's construction of a new road to a high-altitude air base is seen as one of the main triggers for a clash with Chinese troops in June that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead.
There were reports of Chinese casualties, but no official confirmation. How bad is the situation?
Military officials from both countries later met to "defuse the situation", the Indian army said. This year has been particularly violent. The June clash in the Galwan Valley - fought with sticks and clubs, not guns - was the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975, and relations have continued to deteriorate.
Why are they fighting? India acknowledged its deaths. China did not comment on reports it also suffered fatalities.
The military superpowers have been arguing for decades over territory in the high-altitude, largely uninhabited region. In August, India accused China of provoking military tensions at the border twice within a week. Both charges were denied by China, which said the stand-off was "entirely" India's fault.
Their armies come face to face at many points along the 3,440km (2,100-mile) shared border. In early September, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. India accused China of firing into the air.
The confrontation came after tensions bubbled up in recent months over a new road India built in Ladakh, along the Line of Actual Control which divides the sides. The allegations, if true, would be the first time in 45 years that shots were fired at the border. A 1996 agreement prohibited the use of guns and explosives near the border - to avoid a confrontation spiralling out of control.
That angered China, which deployed troops and built infrastructure of its own in disputed territory, bringing the two sides' forces in closer proximity and heightening the risk of clashes. What's the bigger picture?
Why does it matter? The two countries have fought only one war, in 1962, when India suffered a humiliating defeat. Both sides see their contested border areas as strategically important in the event of another conflict.
Both sides see the area as strategically important, economically and militarily. If neither side gives way, the stand-off could have destabilising consequences for the region. If they come to blows again, there is a risk of escalation between the world's most populous countries, both established nuclear powers.
If neither gives way, the stand-off could have destabilising consequences for the region. The military tension at the border is mirrored by growing political tension, which has strained ties between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The loss of life raises the stakes. Those deaths are believed to be the first in 45 years in a border confrontation between India and China. There is also the potential for economic fallout, as China is one of India's biggest trading partners. India's government recently banned more than 150 China-linked apps, including the hugely popular TikTok, citing security concerns.
They have fought only one war, in 1962, when India suffered a humiliating defeat. Many observers have said talks are the only way forward - both countries have so much to lose.
How dangerous could this be?
Potentially very, if efforts to reduce tensions fail.
In recent days, army generals from India and China have been involved in talks aimed at resolving the border row.
However, similar reconciliation attempts have stalled in the past.
If they are not successful, there is a risk of escalation between two rivals who happen to be the world's most populous countries - and have nuclear weapons.
"This is extremely, extremely serious, this is going to vitiate whatever dialogue was going on," former Indian army commander DS Hooda said, commenting on Monday's clash.