Keeping the peace: On India-China border tension (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2: International Relations
Prelims level: Line of Actual Control
Mains level: Steps towards resolving the border disputes between India and China

Context:

• With four incidents along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in recent weeks, the India-China border is witnessing the highest tensions since the Doklam stand-off in 2017. In the three years since, both sides have done remarkably well to keep the peace.

No escalation:

• Prime Minister Modi and President Xi both agreed differences should not be allowed to escalate (carry it further) into disputes. Also, a clear message was sent to the two militaries to abide (follow) by the detailed protocols (rules) already in place, such as those agreed to in 2005 and 2013.
• These regulate the activities of ............................

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Right to Mutual and Equal security of the two sides:

• The broader context for the tensions is the changing dynamic along the LAC. India has been upgrading its roads as it plays catch-up, with China already enjoying an advantage in both terrain and infrastructure.
• China now seems to be telling India it has no right to carry out the kind of activity that Beijing has already done. India is well within its right to carry out construction work.
• Delhi needs to remind Beijing that a fundamental principle that underpins all previous agreements is recognising the right to mutual and equal security of the two sides.

Stepping back:

• The immediate priority is for both sides to use existing channels and step back. Flag meetings between brigade commanders have so far been unable to break the stalemate.
• The incidents have underlined how the new LAC situation is placing existing mechanisms under renewed stress.
• India and China should grasp.....................................

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Conclusion:

• Only a settlement will end the shadow boxing on the LAC. With both countries in the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic, the time to push for a settlement to a distracting, protracted dispute is now.
• India and China must end tensions on the border by clarifying the LAC.

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Prelims Questions:

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to AMPHAN Cyclone
1. Amphan is a tropical cyclone originated during the pre-monsoon period which is most favourable for the formation of tropical cyclones.
2. It is designated as a super cyclonic storm for which the wind speed on surface level should be 220 Knots and above.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: .................................

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Mains Questions:
Q1.  What is the Line of Actual Control? ............................................?