Since June 16, Indian and Chinese defense forces have been facing off on the Doklam Plateau, close to the meeting point of the India-Bhutan-China border, known as the tri-junction. India, which argues that China is building roads in Bhutan’s territory, has moved into the Doklam area in coordination with Bhutan and in keeping with the special relationship between the two countries. The Indian government has alleged that China’s unilateral actions violate the 2012 agreement which mandates that tri-junction boundary points should be “finalized in consultation with the concerned countries.” On the other hand, China claims that Doklam Plateau as its territory. It appears that this will be a prolonged stand-off between the two countries, as both parties may find it difficult to withdraw from their positions, creating necessary conditions for a limited confrontation.
