Border skirmish
A small military clash between armed forces from two nations can have large-scale consequences. It can spark diplomatic sanctions, shut down border crossings and cause a trade boycott or other economic disruption. It can even escalate to an armed conflict, as was the case in many international conflicts throughout history. These events show the importance of defining and respecting political boundaries, and illustrate how quickly tensions can build up from miscalculations or historical ambiguities.
The incident is the latest in a series of small skirmishes that have occurred along India and China’s 3,440km (2,100-mile) disputed border. The two sides regularly accuse each other of encroaching on their territory or trying to expand their own influence and control. The two nations have fought several major wars in the past century, including a deadly conflict over the contested Himalayan region of Kashmir.
While experts agree the video does not depict a recent clash, it raises the stakes in a highly sensitive dispute that could quickly flare up again. Tensions have ratcheted up since Cambodia went back to the UN’s top court after a ruling that it and not Thailand owned Preah Vihear temple in 2011. The move rubbed salt into Thai resentment over previous border skirmishes, and Cambodia has urged Thailand to reopen talks on an out-of-court settlement.
A lack of diplomatic channels and rising social media scrutiny make it harder for both countries to reach a compromise, but that may not stop them from escalating further. And, with Cambodia receiving massive Chinese military assistance in the past decade, Beijing may feel confident that it can push more assertively against its smaller neighbour.
About the Author
