Why in News?

In an escalation of the ongoing standoff on the disputed boundary in Ladakh Chinese troops carried out aggressive
moves to change the status quo on the south bank of Pangong Tso and those attempts were thwarted. Pangong Tso Agression and Importance. 

What is the issue ?

• Chinese Version
  • Indian Army illegally crossing the line on August 31 at two points at the south bank of Pangong lake and near the Reqin mountain pass (near Rezang La) and blatantly provoked and caused tension on the border.
• Indian Claim
  • On the night of August 29/30, PLA troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and
    diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff.

Where is the Pangong Tso Lake?

• Lake that is partly in India’s Ladakh region and partly in Tibet is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas.
• An Inner Line Permit is required to visit the lake as it lies on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control. For security reasons, India does not permit boating.
• China National Highway 219 passes by the eastern end of Pangong Tso.
• Nearly 20 km east from the Line of Actual Control is controlled by China but claimed by India.
• K2, the world’s second highest peak, ends at the north bank of Pangong Tso.
• The lake freezes during the winter even though its salinity which allowing some vehicular movement on it as well.

Background of the dispute

• Nearly two-thirds of the lake is controlled by China, with just about 45 km under Indian control.
• The lake is divided into sections called fingers and Indian forces do not had active control beyond Finger 4.
• The Chinese has controlled the Khurnak Fort area since 1952
• 1962, Pangong Tso saw military action during the Indo-China War and chinese were successful in establishing their upper hand in the region. 
• Since then China changed the status quo and its troops had occupied the region between Finger 8 and Finger 4, which was patrolled by both but occupied by neither side earlier.

Why China tries to occupy the region ?

• Chinese troops continue to occupy the Finger 4 ridgeline, though they have stepped back from the base of Finger 4 to the base of Finger 5.
• Pangong Tso is strategically crucial as it is very close to Chusul Valley and they wants to keep the region of strategical importance. 
• Any kind of construction in the region may thwart Chinese importance in the strategic location and occupation in Aksaichin region. 
• Besides the major involvement of India in the region may hit China-Pak corridor, so China wants to keep the region tension high. 

Source : The Hindu

Topic 

Prelims : Pangong Tso

GS II : India and its neighbourhood- relations

Current Affairs Compilation : 1 September 2020