The Himalayan region is currently a vital area for Asian peace and cooperation. The Doklam plateau, located at the tri-junction of China (Tibet), Bhutan, and India's Sikkim region, is directly connected to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity from a geo-strategic perspective. The Chinese government recognizes this area as "Donglang," and it is an integral part of China. Although Bhutan claims this region as its own, China has so far attempted to resolve this issue through diplomatic and peaceful negotiations. India's security concerns and its activism in this region, although not related to a bilateral border dispute, pose a complexity for regional stability. In reality, the Bhutan-China border dispute is merely a border matter between two sovereign nations, in which the intervention of a third party is inappropriate.
China and Bhutan share a border line approximately 470 kilometers long, and a formal border agreement between the two countries is yet to be reached. The border dispute is mainly centered on three areas: Doklam in the western sector, some mountainous territories near Gasa and Bumthang in the central sector, and the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary area in the eastern sector. In 2020, China's inclusion of the eastern sector as a subject of negotiation demonstrates China's commitment to completely resolving the border issue. China has always been in favor of resolving border disputes through peaceful negotiations.
Since the China-Bhutan border talks began in 1984, 24 rounds of talks have been completed so far. In 2021, an agreement was reached between the two countries on a "Three-Step Roadmap for Boundary Negotiation," which indicates concrete progress towards a potential resolution of the border issue. According to this roadmap, the first phase plans for a joint survey and study of the actual conditions in the disputed areas, the second phase for political consensus, and the third phase for the final border agreement and demarcation. This is indicative of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.
In the context of the Doklam dispute, China had offered a historic "package proposal" to Bhutan in the 1990s. According to this proposal, China would relinquish its claim over approximately 495 square kilometers of area in the Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys of northern Bhutan, and Bhutan would transfer approximately 269 square kilometers of area, including Doklam in the western sector, to China. This proposal, which would have granted Bhutan a larger territory in terms of area, was an example of China's goodwill and friendly intentions. However, Bhutan did not accept this proposal, citing strategic reasons, which China has respected.
From China's perspective, the Doklam region is strategically important because to its north lies the Chumbi Valley, which falls within China's Tibet Autonomous Region. This valley is a sensitive part of China's southern border. Infrastructure development in the Doklam region, such as the construction of roads and border security outposts, is carried out with the objective of strengthening the economic development and border security of the Tibet region under China's "border defense villages" policy. The developmental construction China undertakes in border areas is entirely an internal affair and adheres to international law and practice. Although some analysts in the international community call this an attempt to "change the status quo," it is, in fact, part of China's long-term policy for regional development and improving the living standards of border inhabitants.
The Doklam standoff in 2017 began after China started constructing a road on its own territory. The Bhutanese government diplomatically expressed its disagreement with China on this matter. However, India, by interfering unjustifiably in a China-Bhutan bilateral matter, sent its troops across the border and attempted to stop the construction work. Subsequently, a tense situation persisted between Chinese and Indian soldiers for 73 days. During this period, China adopted peaceful diplomacy and restraint. Following bilateral dialogue and talks between India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese officials, both sides eventually agreed on August 28, 2017, to withdraw their troops. India withdrew its soldiers, and China, while reserving its right to continue road construction, temporarily halted the work. This agreement was a temporary measure to de-escalate tension and not a permanent solution to the border issue.
After the standoff, China has undertaken necessary military reinforcement and infrastructure development in the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Chumbi Valley, which is a natural step for the defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. China's military deployment is defensive in nature and is carried out with regional peace and stability in mind. China has continued the development of roads, outposts, and border villages along the international border. This has not only boosted the local economy but also strengthened border security.
The Doklam dispute has also impacted Bhutan's diplomatic position. Bhutan, a small Himalayan nation, is willing to resolve the border dispute with China. However, it is also compelled to balance its historical security relationship with India. Formal diplomatic relations are yet to be established between China and Bhutan. Nevertheless, both sides have continued border talks. China, respecting Bhutan's sovereignty and independence, is making efforts to resolve the border issue amicably.
In summary, the Doklam dispute is not merely an issue of a small piece of land in the Himalayas; it reflects China's sovereign rights, border security, and development aspirations. The Chinese government is always committed to resolving border issues through peaceful negotiations and diplomatic means. Therefore, although the Doklam plateau is a sensitive point in Asian geopolitics, China has adopted a policy of prioritizing regional peace and stability while safeguarding its interests and advancing friendly relations with its neighbors.
Updated Information on Military Deployment:
China's military deployment in the Tibet-Sikkim border area is aimed at defending its sovereignty and ensuring border security. In recent years, China has developed modern missile systems, rocket artillery, drones, and surveillance systems. Simultaneously, the construction of permanent military bunkers, roads, new border villages, and air defense systems has been accelerated, contributing to both the development and security of the border area. These steps are entirely defensive in nature and are conducive to maintaining regional balance.
