In the second part of our series Disputed, we look at the Sikkim-Tibet border where the Chinese have raised the possibility of “early harvest”, meaning a quick resolution. The irony is there are no territorial claims being made here by either side and there is consensus on the alignment of the Line of Actual Control. But China has refused to discuss Sikkim’s borders so far. With Bhutan China has a dispute, over the Doklam Plateau which has implications for the Siliguri Corridor. This entire series is based on Defence Ministry records.

China’s apparent eagerness to finalise the Sino-Indian boundary in Sikkim stems from its desire to open up the route from Khamba Dzong on Tibet’s border with India, to Natu La in Sikkim,for trade.

It would also provide China access to the Bay of Bengal and

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