India on High Alert as China Clash Sparks Fears of Escalation at Border

A clash between Indian and Chinese troops has resulted in New Delhi putting its forces on alert, according to reports.

Tensions have remained high between China and India for years as the two superpowers skirmish over border disputes.

The Indian army reported a recent clash in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh state, the eastern tip of India, on December 9.

A few soldiers have suffered some injuries from the skirmish.The First India News Twitter account noted India's response following the clash.

"All airbases of Eastern Command on alert," a tweet read.

"Airforce foils Chinese intrusion plot, SU-30 fighter jets on standby mode in Tezpur, India deploys L 70 air defense gun in Tawang, air defense system S-400 alert in Siliguri."

Following the skirmish, India's Ministry of Defense released a statement about the clash.

"In certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, wherein both sides patrol the area up to their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006," the statement read.

"On 9 December 2022, People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector which was contested by own troops in a firm and resolute manner.

"This face-off led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides.

"Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow up of the incident, our Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquility."

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed his country's parliament on Tuesday.

He said the encounter began when Chinese troops "encroached into Indian territory" and "unilaterally tried to change the status quo."

He added that Indian troops were successful in responding firmly and preventing Chinese forces from entering into their territory.

China and India share a border of some 2,200 miles in length but no official boundary has ever been officially agreed between the two nations. This has previously resulted in territorial disputes.

Both sides have previously accused the other of flaring tensions by illegally trespassing on areas they have claimed.

In 2020, warning shots were fired by India, according to Chinese officials, during a skirmish that reinvigorated anxiousness between the two sides.

In September 2020 Chinese People's Liberation Army Western Command Theater spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Shuili said that Chinese troops were "forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation" after alleged actions by Indian soldiers.

Shuili said Indian soldiers "illegally" crossed the Line of Actual Control near Pangong Lake, and that Indian personnel fired warning shots.

However, speaking to Newsweek, the Indian Army said "it is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive maneuvers."

Newsweek has contacted India and China's ministries of foreign affairs for comment.