A skirmish between Indian and Chinese soldiers on their disputed Himalayan border highlights tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals. It’s the first incident between the neighbors to have taken place since India retaliated for a terrorist attack in Pakistan in February 2019.
The exchange of fire in the Galwan Valley illuminates an underappreciated aspect of China’s competition: Beijing frequently and subtly shapes competition to avoid areas it considers weak, while other countries find themselves operating within frameworks that benefit Beijing in opaque but powerful ways. The agreement with India that prohibits the use of force during border patrols aligns with China’s historic emphasis on extensive static defenses rather than armed confrontation, and suggests a continuing lack of trust in its military.
Likewise, the incessant volley of accusations between Cambodia and Thailand shows little sign of good faith on either side. Thailand has been accused of using cluster munitions and white phosphorus shells, which can harm non-combatants, while Cambodia has published images of what it says are damages caused by Thai shelling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Preah Vihear temple.
The US is deeply concerned about the rise of a unipolar power and supports efforts to reduce tensions in the region. But the US also views China as a near-peer competitor, and its concerns about Beijing are deepening. The next round of skirmishes between India and China could have serious national security implications for the United States. It’s time for the United States to be clear in its opposition to future Chinese encroachment on disputed territory.