Yangtse

Yangtse in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh has been repeatedly targeted by Chinese PLA troops, seeking to dislodge Indian troops from vantage points.

Details –

• In October 2021, the Chinese came to Yangtse in sizeable strength, close to 100 troops, and were confronted by an Indian patrolling unit.
• Recently, on December 9, army troops of both the countries again clashed in this region.

Tawang sector –

• Soldiers of the two sides clashed in an area called Yangtse, in the upper reaches of Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Tawang, indeed nearly all of Arunachal, is claimed by China.
  • It is one of the more serious dispute points between India and China in the overall border question.
• Within Tawang, there are three agreed areas of differing Indian and Chinese perceptions of the LAC.
  • A majority of these areas – Yangtse included – were identified by the two sides during multiple meetings. This includes —
    • Joint Working Group (JWG) in the 1990s,
    • during exchange of maps for the Middle Sector in 2000, and
    • comparison of maps for the Western Sector in 2002.
  • The remaining contested areas were identified over a period of time due to PLA actions.
• Current scenario —
  • • The Tawang sector is dominated by Indian troops who can spot Chinese patrols when they come forward.
    • Every time movement is noticed, Indian troops move for a faceoff.
      • In 2016, around 250 Chinese troops showed up, crossing a point which India says marks the LAC.

Historical importance of Tawang sector –

• Tawang is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama and an important pilgrimage centre for Tibetan Buddhists.
• The 14th Dalai Lama took refuge in Tawang after he crossed over from Tibet to India in 1959, spending some days in the monastery there before proceeding further.