• Latest
  • Trending

Bhutan’s ‘Shangri-La’ caught between two rival superpowers

April 9, 2018
Tik Tok

The top TikTok trends to try this week

August 9, 2022
Prices of rice packet and cup of plain tea slashed

Prices of rice packet and cup of plain tea slashed

August 9, 2022
Ceylon Electricity Board to introduce new billing methods

PUCSL approves increase in electricity tariffs by 75%; New rates document released

August 9, 2022
Snapchat. Image credits - May Gauthier @maygauthier / Unsplash

Snap launches tools for parents to monitor teens’ contacts

August 9, 2022
FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Google logo is seen in this illustration taken April 12, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Thousands of users around the world report Google outage

August 9, 2022
Electricity

Power cut schedule today; Aug 9 in Sri Lanka

August 9, 2022
Covid-19 representational image. Fusion Medical Animation @fusion_medical_animation / Unsplash

Covid-19 deaths and cases update in Sri Lanka

August 8, 2022
China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka

China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka

August 8, 2022
Sri Lanka respects India’s concerns and asks Chinese spy vessel to defer visit

On the controversial ship’s visit to Sri Lanka, China says it is “senseless” to invoke “security concerns”

August 9, 2022
Beijing deployed fighter jets, warships and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade of Taiwan. (Photo: AFP file)

China continues military drills around Taiwan

August 8, 2022
Exchange Rate

Foreign Exchange Rates from Central Bank of Sri Lanka; USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, CAD

August 8, 2022
National Fuel Pass

National Fuel Pass open again for new registrations

August 8, 2022
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
No Result
View All Result
NewsIn.Asia
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    Prices of rice packet and cup of plain tea slashed

    Prices of rice packet and cup of plain tea slashed

    Ceylon Electricity Board to introduce new billing methods

    PUCSL approves increase in electricity tariffs by 75%; New rates document released

    Electricity

    Power cut schedule today; Aug 9 in Sri Lanka

    Covid-19 representational image. Fusion Medical Animation @fusion_medical_animation / Unsplash

    Covid-19 deaths and cases update in Sri Lanka

    China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka

    China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka respects India’s concerns and asks Chinese spy vessel to defer visit

    On the controversial ship’s visit to Sri Lanka, China says it is “senseless” to invoke “security concerns”

    Beijing deployed fighter jets, warships and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade of Taiwan. (Photo: AFP file)

    China continues military drills around Taiwan

    Exchange Rate

    Foreign Exchange Rates from Central Bank of Sri Lanka; USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, CAD

    National Fuel Pass

    National Fuel Pass open again for new registrations

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    Tik Tok

    The top TikTok trends to try this week

    Snapchat. Image credits - May Gauthier @maygauthier / Unsplash

    Snap launches tools for parents to monitor teens’ contacts

    FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Google logo is seen in this illustration taken April 12, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

    Thousands of users around the world report Google outage

    Beijing deployed fighter jets, warships and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade of Taiwan. (Photo: AFP file)

    China continues military drills around Taiwan

    China’s rise shapes US Foreign Policy:  Noam Chomsky Says

    China’s rise shapes US Foreign Policy:  Noam Chomsky Says

    Wickremesinghe reiterates Sri Lanka’s commitment to the One-China policy

    Wickremesinghe reiterates Sri Lanka’s commitment to the One-China policy

    Similarities and differences between the Taiwan and Ukraine crises

    Similarities and differences between the Taiwan and Ukraine crises

    Why Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is utterly reckless

    Why Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is utterly reckless

    After buying Twitter, Elon Musk has now said he will buy Coca-Cola to put the 'cocaine' back in.

    Starlink: Why is Elon Musk launching thousands of satellites?

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    Marvel has unleashed the first look teaser of Black Panther 2.

    Black Panther Wakanda Forever: Marvel pays emotional tribute to Chadwick Boseman

    Stranger Things

    Netflix confirms ‘Stranger Things’ spinoff and play

    Kamal Haasan's Vikram is on a rampage.

    Kamal Haasan’s Vikram is the highest-grossing film in Singapore, UK and UAE

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

    ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ celebrates 25 magical years

    Salman Khan

    Plot to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan revealed

    Shah Rukh Khan's Jawaan, to be directed by Atlee, to scheduled for June 2023 release. (Photo: Twitter)

    Shah Rukh Khan announces new film ‘Jawaan’

    Chchutir diner Gaan by Bangladeshi singer Nondita

    Chchutir diner Gaan by Bangladeshi singer Nondita

    Song “Bechain Nazar Betaab Jigar”. Talat Mahmood. Film “Yasmin” 1955

    Song “Bechain Nazar Betaab Jigar”. Talat Mahmood. Film “Yasmin” 1955

    ‘KGF Chapter 2’

    ‘KGF Chapter 2’ becomes 3rd-highest-grossing Hindi film

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    Cheeseburger. Image credits - Alamy / BBC

    McDonald’s puts up price of cheeseburger for first time in 14 years

    WHO declares rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency

    WHO declares rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency

    Sushmita Sen. Image credits - Getty Images

    Sushmita Sen: Why ‘gold digger’ jibe caused outrage

    Honey. Image credits - Mariana Ibanez / Unsplash

    7 unique health benefits of honey

    alcohol

    Alcohol is never healthy for people under 40, study finds

    world’s happiest countries in 2022

    List of world’s happiest countries in 2022

    Emirates

    Emirates statement on operations at London Heathrow

    The main aim of the team is to enable them to collect microplastics in deeper water and provide information to analyse marine pollution in real time. (File Pic)

    Chinese scientists develop robot fish that gobble up microplastics

    Bicycle. Image credits - Febiyan @febiyanr / Unsplash

    10 essential biking rules every cyclist should know

    Luggage. Image credits - Caroline Selfors @cselfors / Unsplash

    London’s Heathrow tells airlines to stop ticket sales as it caps passengers

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Snapchat. Image credits - May Gauthier @maygauthier / Unsplash

    Snap launches tools for parents to monitor teens’ contacts

    FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Google logo is seen in this illustration taken April 12, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

    Thousands of users around the world report Google outage

    After buying Twitter, Elon Musk has now said he will buy Coca-Cola to put the 'cocaine' back in.

    Starlink: Why is Elon Musk launching thousands of satellites?

    Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter for $41 billion

    Twitter sues Elon Musk over $44 billion contract breach

    Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla | Getty Images

    Elon Musk pulls out of $44bn deal to buy Twitter

    Bitcoin. Image credits - Onov3056

    Bitcoin slides below $20,000 to lowest level in 18 months

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • All
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
    Prices of rice packet and cup of plain tea slashed

    Prices of rice packet and cup of plain tea slashed

    Ceylon Electricity Board to introduce new billing methods

    PUCSL approves increase in electricity tariffs by 75%; New rates document released

    Electricity

    Power cut schedule today; Aug 9 in Sri Lanka

    Covid-19 representational image. Fusion Medical Animation @fusion_medical_animation / Unsplash

    Covid-19 deaths and cases update in Sri Lanka

    China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka

    China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka respects India’s concerns and asks Chinese spy vessel to defer visit

    On the controversial ship’s visit to Sri Lanka, China says it is “senseless” to invoke “security concerns”

    Beijing deployed fighter jets, warships and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade of Taiwan. (Photo: AFP file)

    China continues military drills around Taiwan

    Exchange Rate

    Foreign Exchange Rates from Central Bank of Sri Lanka; USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, CAD

    National Fuel Pass

    National Fuel Pass open again for new registrations

  • World
    • All
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    Tik Tok

    The top TikTok trends to try this week

    Snapchat. Image credits - May Gauthier @maygauthier / Unsplash

    Snap launches tools for parents to monitor teens’ contacts

    FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Google logo is seen in this illustration taken April 12, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

    Thousands of users around the world report Google outage

    Beijing deployed fighter jets, warships and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade of Taiwan. (Photo: AFP file)

    China continues military drills around Taiwan

    China’s rise shapes US Foreign Policy:  Noam Chomsky Says

    China’s rise shapes US Foreign Policy:  Noam Chomsky Says

    Wickremesinghe reiterates Sri Lanka’s commitment to the One-China policy

    Wickremesinghe reiterates Sri Lanka’s commitment to the One-China policy

    Similarities and differences between the Taiwan and Ukraine crises

    Similarities and differences between the Taiwan and Ukraine crises

    Why Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is utterly reckless

    Why Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is utterly reckless

    After buying Twitter, Elon Musk has now said he will buy Coca-Cola to put the 'cocaine' back in.

    Starlink: Why is Elon Musk launching thousands of satellites?

  • Business
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Books
    • Gaming
    • Movie
    • Music
    • Series
    Marvel has unleashed the first look teaser of Black Panther 2.

    Black Panther Wakanda Forever: Marvel pays emotional tribute to Chadwick Boseman

    Stranger Things

    Netflix confirms ‘Stranger Things’ spinoff and play

    Kamal Haasan's Vikram is on a rampage.

    Kamal Haasan’s Vikram is the highest-grossing film in Singapore, UK and UAE

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

    ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ celebrates 25 magical years

    Salman Khan

    Plot to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan revealed

    Shah Rukh Khan's Jawaan, to be directed by Atlee, to scheduled for June 2023 release. (Photo: Twitter)

    Shah Rukh Khan announces new film ‘Jawaan’

    Chchutir diner Gaan by Bangladeshi singer Nondita

    Chchutir diner Gaan by Bangladeshi singer Nondita

    Song “Bechain Nazar Betaab Jigar”. Talat Mahmood. Film “Yasmin” 1955

    Song “Bechain Nazar Betaab Jigar”. Talat Mahmood. Film “Yasmin” 1955

    ‘KGF Chapter 2’

    ‘KGF Chapter 2’ becomes 3rd-highest-grossing Hindi film

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Health
    • Science
    • Travel
    Cheeseburger. Image credits - Alamy / BBC

    McDonald’s puts up price of cheeseburger for first time in 14 years

    WHO declares rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency

    WHO declares rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency

    Sushmita Sen. Image credits - Getty Images

    Sushmita Sen: Why ‘gold digger’ jibe caused outrage

    Honey. Image credits - Mariana Ibanez / Unsplash

    7 unique health benefits of honey

    alcohol

    Alcohol is never healthy for people under 40, study finds

    world’s happiest countries in 2022

    List of world’s happiest countries in 2022

    Emirates

    Emirates statement on operations at London Heathrow

    The main aim of the team is to enable them to collect microplastics in deeper water and provide information to analyse marine pollution in real time. (File Pic)

    Chinese scientists develop robot fish that gobble up microplastics

    Bicycle. Image credits - Febiyan @febiyanr / Unsplash

    10 essential biking rules every cyclist should know

    Luggage. Image credits - Caroline Selfors @cselfors / Unsplash

    London’s Heathrow tells airlines to stop ticket sales as it caps passengers

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Tech
    Snapchat. Image credits - May Gauthier @maygauthier / Unsplash

    Snap launches tools for parents to monitor teens’ contacts

    FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Google logo is seen in this illustration taken April 12, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

    Thousands of users around the world report Google outage

    After buying Twitter, Elon Musk has now said he will buy Coca-Cola to put the 'cocaine' back in.

    Starlink: Why is Elon Musk launching thousands of satellites?

    Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter for $41 billion

    Twitter sues Elon Musk over $44 billion contract breach

    Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla | Getty Images

    Elon Musk pulls out of $44bn deal to buy Twitter

    Bitcoin. Image credits - Onov3056

    Bitcoin slides below $20,000 to lowest level in 18 months

    Trending Tags

    • Sillicon Valley
    • Climate Change
    • Election Results
    • Flat Earth
    • Golden Globes
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Mr. Robot
  • Coronavirus
  • Videos
NewsIn.Asia
No Result
View All Result
Home Around South Asia China

Bhutan’s ‘Shangri-La’ caught between two rival superpowers

Editor by Editor
April 9, 2018
in China, India, Top Story
Reading Time: 5 mins read
4 0
A A
Share on WhatsApp

By Anbarasan Ethirajan BBC News, Thimphu

The country’s capital, Thimphu, is a refreshing delight to those who are tired of traffic and pollution in mega cities. The fresh air and the lush green mountains and snow peaks in the distance offer a visual treat.

Men, women and children calmly walk around in the country’s traditional attire. It is probably the only country in the world where there are no traffic signals – just traffic police officers giving hand signals.

ADVERTISEMENT

But beneath the surface, this picture-postcard country has been experiencing an undercurrent of tension and nervousness since last year.

Sandwiched between two Asian giants – China in the north and India in the south – the Himalayan nation, with a population of about 800,000, was anxious when troops from the two military powers squared up to each other over their border dispute.

The flare-up was in a strategic plateau called Doklam – situated in the tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China.

The remote mountainous region of Doklam is disputed. Bhutan and China both claim the area. India supports Bhutan’s claim over it.

When China started to expand an unpaved road in June 2017, Indian troops went across and stopped the work, triggering a face-off between the two sides.

Delhi argued that the road had security implications. The fear is that in any future conflict, Chinese troops can use it to seize India’s strategically important Siliguri Corridor, known as the Chicken’s Neck, which connects the Indian mainland with its north-eastern states.

Some experts said the fears were far-fetched.

But many Bhutanese were unaware of the strategic importance of Doklam.

“Doklam was insignificant until it became a controversial issue a few months ago. Most Bhutanese don’t even know where Doklam is,” says Namgay Zam, a multimedia journalist in Thimphu.

She adds: “It became a matter of contention and discussion only after it blew up as a controversial issue between China and India”.

The tense stand-off between Chinese and Indian troops in Doklam raised concerns among many Bhutanese that it could trigger a war between the two Asian giants. Beijing angrily denounced what it described as a “trespass of Indian troops.”

After weeks of hectic diplomacy by the Indian and Chinese leadership, the 73-day face-off was brought to an end. Indian troops finally withdrew. The Bhutanesegovernment refused to  publicly discuss the Doklam standoff but it issues a cautious statement last August welcoming what it described as “the disengagement by the two sides.”

Many in Bhutan say the flare up was a wake up call.

There was a passionate discussion on social media over whether it was time for Bhutan to settle its border dispute with China and follow an independent foreign policy. Some even argued that Bhutan should come out of India’s influence.

After Tibet was invaded and annexed by China in the 1950s, Bhutan immediately turned south – towards India – for friendship and security. Since then it has been under India’s sphere of influence.

Map showing Doklam

India provides economic, military and technical help to Bhutan. The Himalayan nation is the largest recipient of India’s foreign aid. India gave nearly US$ 800 million for  Bhutan’s last Five Year Economic Plan.

Hundreds of Indian soldiers are stationed inside Bhutan and officials say they offer training to Bhutanese troops. Its military headquarters is in the western town of Haa, about 20km (12 miles) from Doklam.

While many Bhutanese are thankful to India for its assistance over the decades, others, particularly the young, want the country to chart its own course.

Bhutan’s foreign policy takes India’s security concerns into account because of a special treaty, signed first in 1949. The treaty was revised in 2007, but it gave Bhutan more freedom in areas of foreign policy and military purchases.

Some here feel India’s influence has been overbearing and stifling.

“As we mature [as a democracy] we have to get out of India’s shadow. India also should not think of Bhutan as what some people refer to as a ‘vassal state’. Let Bhutan decide its own political future,” argues Gopilal Acharya, a writer and political analyst.

Bhutan and China have disputes over territory in the north and in the west. There is a growing feeling within Bhutan that it is time for the country to reach a settlement with China.

“Bhutan actually needs to resolve this issue with China at the earliest, that’s what I feel. After that we may be able to move forward diplomatically or otherwise this [Doklam] problem is going to recur,” says Karma Tenzin, a political commentator.

“We cannot afford to have two superpowers lock their horns at the doorstep of a peaceful nation like Bhutan.”

Several people who I spoke with in Thimphu argue that India could have shown restraint and avoided a face-off with China.

They think India’s stance might have an impact in Bhutan’s efforts to solve its long-standing border dispute with Beijing.

India has been unable to stop the Chinese making inroads into other South Asian countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bangladesh. Bhutan is the only country in the region which has no formal diplomatic relations with Beijing.

There is also resentment among several Bhutanese who feel that India has been unfairly treating them in exploiting its natural resources. Delhi’s “big brother” attitude, they say, could lead to people calling for more trade links with China. They point to Nepal playing the China card vis-à-vis its relations with India.

“For us, our future is with India. But we should forge a new kind of relationship which is equal between India and Bhutan. We have to look for new areas of engagement on equal footing,” says Mr Acharya.

Gopilal Acharya, Bhutanese writer and political analyst

While India grapples with the challenge of a rising China, both militarily and economically, it is also in danger of losing its allies if its foreign policy is not based on mutual respect.

Bhutan may be a tiny Himalayan nation but it holds a strategic card. It does not want to be squeezed in India-China rivalry. The last thing they want to see is Chinese and Indian armies squaring up to each other once again near their border.

END India has been unable to stop the Chinese making inroads into other south Asian countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bangladesh. Bhutan is the only country in the region which has no formal diplomatic relations with Beijing.

There is also resentment among several Bhutanese who feel that India has been unfairly treating them in exploiting its natural resources. Delhi’s “big brother” attitude, they say, could lead to people calling for more trade links with China. They point to Nepal playing the China card vis-à-vis its relations with India.

“For us, our future is with India. But we should forge a new kind of relationship which is equal between India and Bhutan. We have to look for new areas of engagement on equal footing,” says Mr Acharya.

While India grapples with the challenge of a rising China, both militarily and economically, it is also in danger of losing its allies if its foreign policy is not based on mutual respect.

Bhutan may be a tiny Himalayan nation but it holds a strategic card. It does not want to be squeezed in India-China rivalry. The last thing they want to see is Chinese and Indian armies squaring up to each other once again near their border.

 

Related Posts

China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka
Around South Asia

China asks India to ‘stop disturbing’ its exchange with Sri Lanka

August 8, 2022
Sri Lanka respects India’s concerns and asks Chinese spy vessel to defer visit
China

On the controversial ship’s visit to Sri Lanka, China says it is “senseless” to invoke “security concerns”

August 9, 2022
Beijing deployed fighter jets, warships and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade of Taiwan. (Photo: AFP file)
Around South Asia

China continues military drills around Taiwan

August 8, 2022
Strengthening ties with Tamil Nadu: Lankan envoy meets DMK MP Kanimozhi
Diplomacy

Strengthening ties with Tamil Nadu: Lankan envoy meets DMK MP Kanimozhi

August 8, 2022
China’s rise shapes US Foreign Policy:  Noam Chomsky Says
China

China’s rise shapes US Foreign Policy:  Noam Chomsky Says

August 7, 2022
Sino-Indian conflict and economic crisis put Sri Lanka in a cleft stick over “spy” ship visit 
China

Sino-Indian conflict and economic crisis put Sri Lanka in a cleft stick over “spy” ship visit 

August 7, 2022
  • Electricity

    Power cut schedule today; Aug 9 in Sri Lanka

    48889 shares
    Share 19569 Tweet 12217
  • Registration open for National Fuel Pass

    6537 shares
    Share 2652 Tweet 1619
  • Foreign Exchange Rates from Central Bank of Sri Lanka; USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, CAD

    1351 shares
    Share 547 Tweet 335
  • WATCH : Yohani’s first live performance in India

    785 shares
    Share 327 Tweet 191
  • Power interruption schedule released: Check your area power cut time

    734 shares
    Share 312 Tweet 176
  • About Us
  • Advertisements
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2022 All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Around South Asia
    • Afghanistan
    • Bangladesh
    • Bhutan
    • China
    • India
    • Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Pakistan
    • Sri Lanka
  • Around The World
  • Breaking News
  • Business
    • Exchange
  • Climate Change
  • Governance
    • Crime
    • Diplomacy
    • Defense
    • Human Rights
    • Politics
    • Strategic Affairs
  • Lifestyle
    • Books
    • Entertainment
      • Arts
      • Cinema
      • Gaming
      • Music
      • Movie
      • Series
      • TV
    • Health
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Travel
  • Culture
    • Ethnicity
    • Gender
  • Development news
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Coronavirus
  • History
  • National
  • Offbeat
    • Media
    • Music and arts across South Asia
  • Recommended
    • Headlines
    • Highlights
    • Top Picture
    • Top Story
  • Religion
  • Science
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Cricket
      • LPL
      • IPL
    • Tennis
    • Formula 1
    • NBA
  • Tech
    • Instagram
  • United Nations
  • Weather
  • World
    • Japan
    • Russia
    • United States
  • Videos

© 2022 All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

mersin eskort -

Meritroyalbet

-
Jojobet
- Süperbetin - eskisehir escort -

https://www.vudols.com/

- Sağlık Personeli - istanbul avukat