China’s aggression from Galwan to Pangong Tso shows Beijing’s growing frustration with India for its closeness with the US

China’s aggression at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) might be a result of its frustration over India’s closeness with the United States (US) and might continue till the Presidential elections in US in November. However, India is prepared for a long haul at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China experts maintain that Beijing’s push from Galwan to Pangong Tso is a part of its strategic positioning to punish India for its perceived close relationship with the US, Hindustan Times said in its report.

“The climatic conditions in Ladakh in October will ensure that troops only fight for their survival rather than fight against the adversary with polar temperatures and killer winds. The Chinese posture will also depend on whether there is a change of regime in the US and what will be its policy towards Beijing,” an official said on the condition of anonymity.

Not just that, China’s aggression can also be seen as a part of celebrating 100 years of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which will complete a century next year. It wants to show itself as a new global power.

Amid this, India has asked its soldiers to hold positions and be ready for a long haul in Ladakh however have been advised to not fall into any Chinese trap of intimidation, especially when it has already exposed China on the Rezang La ridgeline in Chushul sector between August 29 and August 30.

While China wanted to practice its psychological warfare through the media, India’s response at the Rezang La ridgeline in the Chushul sector in the last week of August caught it by surprise. In fact, the new Indian military posture is aimed at repelling any PLA move to unilaterally change the alignment of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in pursuit of its 1960 claim green line.

India’s strong determination to safeguard its land was also conveyed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet held last week in Russia.

The stand will be further reiterated by the External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar in his meeting with his counterpart on the sidelines of SCO on September 10.

The situation at the LAC has been edgy since May this year, however, it worsened following the June 15 clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan valley in which India lost its 20 bravehearts while the casualty at the Chinese side remains unspecified.

Since then, there have been several military and diplomatic level talks between the two sides to de-escalate tensions at the border but without any success.