China has conducted a live-fire missile exercise near its disputed border with India, escalating existing tensions between the two Asian giants.
Chinese state media reported the successful test involved a female missile platoon launching a missile against a “subsonic target aircraft” at high altitude on the Karakoram Plateau.
The exercise highlights the ongoing military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border separating the two countries. The situation has been particularly tense since a deadly skirmish in June 2020, which has led to the deployment of thousands of troops from both sides in the region.
In response to China's actions, India has bolstered its military presence along the LAC. News outlets like Bloomberg cite the deployment of an additional 10,000 Indian soldiers to the disputed border area in recent months.
Implications and Ongoing Concerns
The recent military activity underscores the fragility of relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. While diplomatic channels remain open, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern.The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for both sides to exercise restraint and to de-escalate tensions through dialogue.
