By Luke Allen
Military, Political Analyst
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
In this investigative report, part 1 of 2, we will examine China’s Asian interference over the past years. China has participated in various conflicts and tensions with countries and regions worldwide. In most instances, China claims to be in the right or has just denied it. These are the ongoing disputes in the Asian region today related to China.
China-India Border Disputes: – The Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India has been a contentious issue for decades. Border skirmishes and standoffs have occurred sporadically, with the most notable recent escalation being the 2020 clashes in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in casualties on both sides. These actions have not stopped China from claiming India’s territory by building infrastructure projects in and around the line of actual control. China has built a dam on the Mapcha Tsangpo River just inside the Chinese-controlled area of the LAC. China’s actions could deny millions of people access to fresh water; thus, it is a shield for the CCP. After a defeat suffered by the CCP, the CCP refused to share water data with India, which led to 300 people dead and millions affected by floods. Then you have the String of Pearls, a series of port and infrastructure projects meant to weaken and surround India with multi-use infrastructure projects.
Tibetan Independence Movement: – China has consistently opposed any movements advocating for Tibetan independence. The Tibetan independence movement, supported by some Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet, has been a source of tension between China and supporters of Tibetan independence. China has increased its presence in an attempt to end the independence movement.
Bhutan-China Border Dispute: Bhutan and China have had a longstanding border dispute over the Doklam Plateau. In 2017, a military standoff occurred between China and India near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction area, known as the Doklam standoff, involving territorial claims.
The so called “Tibetan Autonomous Region” (TAR): China’s control over Tibet has been controversial for decades. The Tibetan government-in-exile, led by the Dalai Lama, has been a focal point of resistance against Chinese rule in Tibet. However, China has continued to build border villages and encourage Chinese nationals to move to the region. Along with these villages, China is building helicopter bases and landing pads near the Arunachal Pradesh region. They are dual use, meaning both military and civilian use, but they happen to be near Chinese military bases. China has also renamed many areas in this region to justify its claims.
South China Sea disputes: China is currently involved in territorial disputes with multiple countries in the South China Sea, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. These disputes primarily concern competing territorial claims over the region’s islands, reefs, and water areas. These disputes started when China released a new national map based on old historical claims, nullifying any changes from history. Several countries have claimed China’s claims are unlawful, including the UN’s World Court in the Hague.
Taiwan: China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly stated its intention to reunify the island with the mainland, if necessary, by force. Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated recently, with increased military activities and diplomatic pressure.
Hong Kong: Following the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, China imposed a controversial national security law on the territory, leading to concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms. The crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong has strained relations between China and various Western countries.
Xinjiang: China has faced international criticism and accusations of human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region, where Uighur Muslims and other ethnic minority groups allegedly are subjected to mass internment, forced labor, and other repressive measures. These actions are to acquire resources and not allow claims from the local populists to reap any financial gains or control. The situation in Xinjiang has strained China’s relations with several countries and international organizations.
Japan: There are various disputes and tensions over issues such as territorial disputes in the East China Sea, historical grievances, and regional influence. These disputes have included the sovereignty over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, historical issues related to World War II, and competition for influence in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s aggressiveness toward Territorial claims is causing an increase in military spending and defensive posturing for Japan.
Looking to the future: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh are areas of future conflict because China is building Major dams on rivers that supply these countries with livelihoods and fresh water. China could then cause droughts or floods to get what it wants, causing massive damage or death. It’s warfare without the war. Malaysia has problematic issues with the Belt and Road initiative due to the predatory nature of loans, which can lead to debt-trap diplomacy.
The real question is, how much more can China do to destabilize the world? We won’t have to wait long to find out.
link to part two : https://worldsecurity.news/?p=223