Current Affairs

Issue

China has refused to accept a ceasefire deal at Patrolling Point 15 (PP15) in Hot Springs, and PP17A near Gogra Post.

 

Background

India has been trying to de-escalate tensions with China in friction points. However, China has been reluctant to accept new deal.

 

Details

• China had diverted its troops from Tibetan plateau to Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This had given rise to a standoff.

• Other friction points included Galwan Valley and the north bank of Pangong Tso. Troops of China had crossed LAC to enter Indian Territory.

 

Location

• Both Hot springs and Gogra post are located near the Chang Chenmo river in the Galwan sub-sector of the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

• Hot springs is located north of the Chang Chenmo river. Gogra post is east of the point where the river takes a hairpin bend.

 

Significance of the region

The area lies near to Kongka Pass, which China considers as the international boundary between India and itself.

 

Patrol points

• Indian army has been given certain areas that have to be patrolled by its troops in order to keep them under control.

• These points are known as patrolling points, or PPs, and are recommended by the China Study Group (CSG). China Study Group is the highest decision-making body on China.

• This is a significant exercise to ascertain India’s hold over the areas as the boundary between India and China is not officially decided.