Many people see the Middle East as the ultimate hotbed of conflict. But the most dangerous zone in the world is the disputed area of Kashmir, both as a focal point for India/Pakistan tensions, but also as a possible conflict maker with China.
Just this weeks, Chinese forces have allegedly trespassed the Kashimiri border into what is territory claimed by India.
Indian authorities have reported that China has not only crossed the border but ventured more than 10 kilometers inland and pitched tent.
Although the Indian military has met with its Chinese counterpart, the Chinese contingent has refused to leave.
China meanwhile, has denied it has even crossed frontier and dismisses the report as nothing more than Indian media hype.
These types of incursions have become more frequent lately. And the Indian government claims that each time, the Chinese troops venture further into their territory and then refuse to leave or leave after leaving rubbish at the camp.
India has made a formal protest to the Chinese government, although such action has not been officialized and the media has not been able to learn the content of the protest.
Kashmir is one of the globe's most contested territory, with three countries vying for its land, and with each three claiming territory with or without reason. China however, has always been an ally of Pakistan, even supplying materiel and weapons during the past decades.
Some of the tensions between China and India stem from India's acceptance of the Dalai Lama at the time the holy man fled occupied Tibet. China also begrudges India its ties to the U.S.
However, China has become India's biggest trading partner, to the tune of 75 billion in mutual trades in 2011 alone. However, China is heavily favored in these transactions, as it exports far more goods to India, than the latter does to China.
Source: Al Jazeera 4.23.13
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