Tensions between India and China are beginning to boil, as the two countries rattle sabers over disputed territory in Bhutan. In fact, the standoff in Doklam (called Donglong in China and Dokola in India) is a proxy for a larger confrontation over status in South Asia, and which behemoth will be the regional hegemon. Neither Beijing nor New Delhi is prepared to let the other assume that role. A modus vivendi must be found, and the diplomacy that allows both governments to save face as they defuse this situation could lay a foundation for a more extensive confidence-building process.
This crisis began in early June, when Chinese troops entered the plateau at the junction of the borders of Bhutan, China and India, to build a road in territory that is claimed by Bhutan. The Bhutanese government in Thimphu requested Indian military assistance and New Delhi obliged, concerned that China is altering the territorial and strategic status quo. India argues that the Chinese move violates a 2012 "understanding" between the two countries that any adjustment of the boundary in that area — which China and Bhutan have discussed for decades — would include consultations with India. It fears that Chinese influence in the area would give it control over the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow slice of land that links seven northeastern states to the rest of India.
China counters that the land is Chinese territory, accuses India of over-reacting and has demanded an immediate withdrawal of Indian troops. Chinese media has reported that the People's Liberation Army held live-fire exercises in the area, ramping up tension further still and increasing the likelihood of an accidental conflict.