(Reuters)The Indian and Chinese governments are reporting that a recent hand-to-hand fight that broke out between their troops on a disputed border wasn’t a major incident, although it is the latest in string of similar events between two powers that have previously claimed lives. These are protests in India over the violence, burning a Chinese flag. The incident occurred on December 9 and was reported by India’s ANI news agency Monday, citing sources. On Tuesday, China’s foreign ministry called the border situation “generally stable” and India’s defense minister went before parliament to say none of the troops on either side were seriously injured. But India’s home minister called the Chinese troops “invaders” and said so long as Prime Minister Modi’s “government is in power,” no one will capture an inch of Indian land. The December 9 fighting took place in an area called Tawang, which is claimed by both sides. The last known clash happened two years ago, when a similar border incident saw 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops killed. A Reuters source said skirmishes keep happening, although they aren’t major. It has coincided with a decrease in relations between the countries, however. India’s government has said their relationship can’t go back to normal without peace on their border.
The border violence between India and China
