China has mobilized thousands of troops backed up by armored vehicles to a contested area along the border with India in the Himalayas, where troops last month hurled stones at each other across the unmarked boundary known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The area in question is in the Galwan River valley between Ladakh [11], in Indian-administered Kashmir, and Chinese-administered Aksai Chin [12]. Top generals from both sides held talks in Moldo [13], on the Chinese side, on June 6, but tensions remain high. India charges that Chinese forces are hindering patrols by its troops along the LAC in Ladakh and Sikkim [14], and refutes Beijing's claim that Indian forces have crossed to the Chinese side. (SCMP [15], NDTV [16], NDTV [17])
India-China stand-offs [18] along the Himalayan border have been recurrent in recent years. Both sides have also been pressing claims to disputed territories [19] in Nepal. India's Foreign Ministry issued a statement of protest this week after Nepal's parliament passed a constitutional amendment altering the country's official map to depict the Kalapani enclave, Lipulekh Pass and other disputed areas as definitive parts of Nepal. (FT [20], Republic World [21], Tribune India [22])
