In brief: China’s 2021 Land Border Law authorises the PLA to enforce unilaterally demarcated boundaries. It sits at odds with existing India–China border agreements, and India needs to respond at multiple levels.
What is China’s new Land Border Law?
The new Land Border Law introduced by the People’s Republic of China in the 31st meeting of its Standing Committee on 23 Oct 2021, seems to be an attempt by China to unilaterally demarcate/alter the territorial boundaries with India and Bhutan.
The new Laws authorize the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police to take action against any infiltration into the areas demarcated byChina as their territorial boundaries with India and Bhutan.
How do China’s new border land laws affect India?
This is likely to have serious implications as China seems to have decided to take military solutions in respect of some long-standing boundary issues with India and Bhutan.
This needs to be addressed at multidimensional levels by India.
What treaties exist between India and China on border issues?
A number of treaties have been signed between India and China to respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Starting from 1954, a number of treaties and agreements to follow the principles of Panchsheel, agreements on Border Peace and Tranquility, military Confidence Building Measures and Protocols, etc. have been signed for maintaining good relations and cooperations between the two countries.
Where have India–China border disputes arisen despite these agreements?
However, despite all the treaties and agreements disputes have arisen in Eastern Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. It is obvious thatChina’s Border Lawsare not in consonance with the realities existing on the ground and as accepted by India.