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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}{{Cleanup reorganize|date=March 2024|reason=The Background section and the History section repeat content.}}{{Infobox bilateral relations|Bhutan–China|China|Bhutan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}{{Infobox bilateral relations|Bhutan–China|China|Bhutan}}


'''Bhutan-China''' relations refer to the [[International relations|international relationship]] between the [[Kingdom of Bhutan]] and the [[China|People's Republic of China]]. As of March 2024, Bhutan and China do not share an official diplomatic relationship with one another.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Himalayan Triangle: Bhutan's Courtship With India and China |url=https://thediplomat.com/2024/02/the-himalayan-triangle-bhutans-courtship-with-india-and-china/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Bhutan-China''' relations refer to the [[international relations]]hip between the [[Kingdom of Bhutan]] and the [[China|People's Republic of China]]. As of present, Bhutan and China do not share an official diplomatic relationship with one another.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Kaul |first=Nitasha |date=2022-04-28 |title=Beyond India and China: Bhutan as a Small State in International Relations |journal=[[International Relations of the Asia-Pacific]] |language=en |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=297–337 |doi=10.1093/irap/lcab010 |issn=1470-482X |doi-access=free}}</ref>


Historically, Bhutan has followed a path of [[isolationism]] and [[Non-Aligned Movement|non-alignment]] extending from the [[Cold War]] era to the present day. Bhutan's lack of formal diplomatic relations extend far beyond China; Bhutan does not have an official diplomatic relationship with any of the other four [[Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council|permanent member states]] of [[United Nations Security Council]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=China and Bhutan aim to resolve a long-running border dispute |url=https://www.economist.com/china/2023/11/02/china-and-bhutan-aim-to-resolve-a-long-running-border-dispute |access-date=2024-04-22 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref> At present, Bhutan has established diplomatic relations with 51 out of the other 192 [[Member states of the United Nations|United Nations member states]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bilateral Relations – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade |url=https://www.mfa.gov.bt/bilateral-relations-2/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=www.mfa.gov.bt}}</ref> The opposite can be said of China; the People's Republic of China (PRC), has full diplomatic relations with 180 out of the other 192 as well as [[Cook Islands]], [[Niue]] and the [[State of Palestine]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 15, 2024 |url=https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202401/t20240115_11224311.html |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=www.mfa.gov.cn}}</ref>
Historically, Bhutan has followed a path of [[isolationism]] and [[Non-Aligned Movement|non-alignment]] extending from the [[Cold War]] era to the present day. Bhutan's lack of formal diplomatic relations extend far beyond China; Bhutan does not have an official diplomatic relationship with any of the other four [[Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council|permanent member states]] of the [[United Nations Security Council]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 2, 2023 |title=China and Bhutan aim to resolve a long-running border dispute |url=https://www.economist.com/china/2023/11/02/china-and-bhutan-aim-to-resolve-a-long-running-border-dispute |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-04-22 |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=11 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511042527/https://www.economist.com/china/2023/11/02/china-and-bhutan-aim-to-resolve-a-long-running-border-dispute |url-status=live }}</ref>


Geographically, Bhutan is sandwiched between the two neighbouring states of [[India]] to the south and China to the north and northeast. The [[Bhutan–China border|Bhutan-China border]] runs across for approximately 477 km across very mountainous [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] territory, connecting northern regions of Bhutan on the south of the border with the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] of China north of the border.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-06-12 |title=CIA - The World Factbook -- Bhutan |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bt.html |access-date=2024-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612211726/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bt.html |archive-date=12 June 2007 }}</ref> The Bhutan-China border is porous and poorly demarcated, and has been a source of long running tension between the two states.<ref name="BN">[https://archive.today/20130131040213/http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20080514&fname=bhutan&sid=1 A New Bhutan Calling] (14 May 2008). OutlookIndia.com. Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name="HJ">{{Cite web
Geographically, Bhutan is sandwiched between the two neighbouring states of [[India]] to the south and China to the north and northeast. The [[Bhutan–China border|Bhutan-China border]] runs approximately 477&nbsp;km across very mountainous [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] terrain, connecting northern regions of Bhutan on the south of the border with the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] of China north of the border.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-06-12 |title=CIA - The World Factbook -- Bhutan |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bt.html |access-date=2024-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612211726/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bt.html |archive-date=12 June 2007 }}</ref> The Bhutan-China border is porous and poorly demarcated, and has been a source of long running tension between the two states.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Simone |last2=Gan |first2=Nectar |date=2024-11-05 |title=China is building new villages on its remote Himalayan border. Some appear to have crossed the line |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/05/asia/china-bhutan-border-dst-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref> Territorial disputes with Bhutan have been a source of potential conflict. Since 1984, the two governments have conducted regular talks on border and security issues to reduce tensions.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Barnett |first=Robert |date=May 7, 2021 |title=China Is Building Entire Villages in Another Country's Territory |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/07/china-bhutan-border-villages-security-forces/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507200315/https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/07/china-bhutan-border-villages-security-forces/ |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |access-date=May 21, 2024 |work=[[Foreign Policy]]}}</ref><ref name="deal">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65396384 |title=Bhutan wants a border deal with China: Will India accept? |language=en-GB |date=2023-04-27 |accessdate=2023-04-28 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |last=Ethirajan |first=Anbarasan |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515174751/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65396384 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| title = Bhutan-China Relations
| website = Bhutannewsonline.com
| date = July 5, 2004
| access-date = 2008-05-30
| url = http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091227142229/http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html
| archive-date = December 27, 2009
| url-status = dead
}}</ref><ref name="IPV">{{Cite web
| title = India and the upcoming Druk democracy
| last = Hussain
| first = Wasbir
| work = [[Himal Southasian]]
| date = May 2007
| access-date = 2008-05-30
| url = http://www.himalmag.com/2007/may/analysis_india_bhutan_relation.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080113235410/http://www.himalmag.com/2007/may/analysis_india_bhutan_relation.htm
| archive-date = 2008-01-13
}}</ref> Territorial disputes with Bhutan have been a source of potential conflict. Since 1984, the two governments have conducted regular talks on border and security issues to reduce tensions.<ref name="BN" /><ref name="HJ" /><ref name="IPV" /><ref name="deal">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65396384 |title=Bhutan wants a border deal with China: Will India accept? |lang=en-GB |date=2023-04-27 |accessdate=2023-04-28 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |last=Ethirajan |first=Anbarasan}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==
Bhutan has long had strong cultural, historical, religious, and economic connections to [[Tibet]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} Relations with Tibet were strained when China [[Annexation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China|took over Tibet]] in the 1950s. Unlike Tibet, Bhutan had no history of being under the [[suzerainty]] of China but fell under British suzerainty during the [[British Raj]] following the [[Treaty of Punakha]] in 1910.
Bhutan has long had strong cultural, historical, religious, and economic connections to [[Tibet]].<ref name="LibraryofCongress"></ref> Relations with Tibet were strained when China [[Annexation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China|took over Tibet]] in the 1950s. Unlike Tibet, Bhutan had no history of being under the [[suzerainty]] of China but fell under British suzerainty during the [[British Raj]] following the [[Treaty of Punakha]] in 1910.<ref name="LibraryofCongress"></ref>


Bhutan's border with Tibet has never been officially demarcated. The territorial claim was maintained by the People's Republic of China after the [[Chinese Communist Party]] took control of mainland China in the [[Chinese Civil War]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} With the increase in soldiers on the Chinese side of the Sino-Bhutanese border after the [[Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet|17-point agreement]] between the Tibetan government and the central government of the PRC, Bhutan withdrew its representative from [[Lhasa]].<ref name="ICI">{{Cite book |last=Savada |first=Andrea Matles |url=https://archive.org/details/nepalbhutancount00sava/page/330 |title=Nepal, and Bhutan : country studies |date=September 1991 |publisher=Library of Congress |isbn=0844407771 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/nepalbhutancount00sava/page/330 330–333] |access-date=2008-05-30}}</ref><ref name="VOS">{{Cite web
Bhutan's border with Tibet has never been officially demarcated. The territorial claim was maintained by the People's Republic of China after the [[Chinese Communist Party]] took control of mainland China in the [[Chinese Civil War]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} With the increase in soldiers on the Chinese side of the Sino-Bhutanese border after the [[Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet|17-point agreement]] between the Tibetan government and the central government of the PRC, Bhutan withdrew its representative from [[Lhasa]].<ref name="LibraryofCongress" >{{Cite book |last=Savada |first=Andrea Matles |url=https://archive.org/details/nepalbhutancount00sava/page/330 |title=Nepal, and Bhutan : country studies |date=September 1991 |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |isbn=0844407771 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/nepalbhutancount00sava/page/330 330–333] |access-date=2008-05-30}} (source can also be found at the [[Library of Congress]] website: [https://www.loc.gov/resource/frdcstdy.nepalbhutancount00sava/?sp=382&st=text]) </ref><ref name="VOS">{{Cite news |last=Balaji |first=Mohan |date=January 12, 2008 |title=In Bhutan, China and India collide |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509184053/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=May 30, 2008 |work=[[Asia Times]]}}</ref><ref name="IPCS">{{Cite web
| title = In Bhutan, China and India collide
| first = Mohan
| last = Balaji
| work = Asia Times Online
| date = January 12, 2008
| access-date = May 30, 2008
| url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080509184053/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html
| url-status = unfit
| archive-date = May 9, 2008
}}</ref><ref name="IPCS">{{Cite web
| title = Elections in the Himalayan Kingdom: New Dawn of India-Bhutan Relations
| title = Elections in the Himalayan Kingdom: New Dawn of India-Bhutan Relations
| author = M Shamsur Rabb Khan
| author = M Shamsur Rabb Khan
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| date = April 8, 2008
| date = April 8, 2008
| access-date = May 29, 2008
| access-date = May 29, 2008
| url = http://www.ipcs.org/article/bhutan/elections-in-the-himalayan-kingdom-new-dawn-of-india-bhutan-2540.html
| url = https://www.ipcs.org/comm_select.php?articleNo=2540
}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=March 2024}}
| archive-date = 5 March 2022
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220305221025/http://www.ipcs.org/article/bhutan/elections-in-the-himalayan-kingdom-new-dawn-of-india-bhutan-2540.html
| url-status = live
}}</ref>


The [[1959 Tibetan uprising]] and the [[14th Dalai Lama]]'s arrival in neighboring [[India]] made the security of Bhutan's border with China a necessity for Bhutan. An estimated 6,000 Tibetans fled to Bhutan and were granted [[Right of asylum|asylum]], although Bhutan subsequently closed its northern border with China, fearing more refugees.<ref name="ICI" /><ref name="BBCO">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profile/54627.stm Bhutan: a land frozen in time] (9 February 1998). BBC. Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>
The [[1959 Tibetan uprising]] and the [[14th Dalai Lama]]'s arrival in neighboring [[India]] made the security of Bhutan's border with China a necessity for Bhutan. An estimated 6,000 Tibetans fled to Bhutan and were granted [[Right of asylum|asylum]], although Bhutan subsequently closed its northern border with China, fearing more refugees.<ref name="LibraryofCongress"></ref><ref name="BBCO">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profile/54627.stm Bhutan: a land frozen in time] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20101111083203/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profile/54627.stm |date=11 November 2010 }} (9 February 1998). BBC. Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref>


Bhutan-China relations are constrained also by Bhutan's close relationship with India.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kelegama |first=Saman |url= |title=The New Great Game: China and South and Central Asia in the Era of Reform |date=2016 |publisher=[[Stanford University Press]] |others=Thomas Fingar |isbn=978-0-8047-9764-1 |location=Stanford, California |pages=203 |chapter=China as a Balancer in South Asia |oclc=939553543}}</ref> Nonetheless, relations with China have improved following China's [[Belt and Road Initiative]].<ref name=":92">{{Cite book |last=Alfred |first=Gerstl |title=Contemporary China: a New Superpower? |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-03-239508-1 |editor-last=Kironska |editor-first=Kristina |chapter=China in its Immediate Neighborhood |editor-last2=Turscanyi |editor-first2=Richard Q.}}</ref>{{Rp|page=215}} Generally, Bhutan seeks balance with its larger neighbors China and India in order to avoid dependency on either country.<ref name=":92" />{{Rp|page=215}}
Bhutan–China relations are constrained also by Bhutan's close relationship with India.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kelegama |first=Saman |url= |title=The New Great Game: China and South and Central Asia in the Era of Reform |date=2016 |publisher=[[Stanford University Press]] |others=Thomas Fingar |isbn=978-0-8047-9764-1 |location=Stanford, California |pages=203 |chapter=China as a Balancer in South Asia |doi=10.1515/9780804797641-013 |oclc=939553543}}</ref> Nonetheless, relations with China have improved following China's [[Belt and Road Initiative]].<ref name=":92">{{Cite book |last=Alfred |first=Gerstl |title=Contemporary China: a New Superpower? |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-03-239508-1 |editor-last=Kironska |editor-first=Kristina |chapter=China in its Immediate Neighborhood |pages=205–217 |doi=10.4324/9781003350064-21 |editor-last2=Turscanyi |editor-first2=Richard Q.}}</ref>{{Rp|page=215}} Generally, Bhutan seeks balance with its larger neighbors China and India in order to avoid dependency on either country.<ref name=":92" />{{Rp|page=215}}


== History ==
== History ==
Bhutan has historical ties to [[Tibet]] through their culture, history, religion, and economy.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} However, their relationship became tense after Bhutan supported the [[British Empire]] and the [[British invasion of Tibet]]. With the signing of an agreement between the People's Republic of China and the Tibetan locals, and the deployment of troops on the border between China and Bhutan, Bhutan withdrew its representatives in the People's Republic of China from Lhasa.<ref name="VOS2">{{Cite web |last=Balaji |first=Mohan |date=January 12, 2008 |title=In Bhutan, China and India collide |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509184053/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=30 May 2008 |work=Asia Times Online}}</ref><ref name="IPCS2">{{Cite web |author=M Shamsur Rabb Khan |date=8 April 2008 |title=Elections in the Himalayan Kingdom: New Dawn of India-Bhutan Relations |url=http://www.ipcs.org/article/bhutan/elections-in-the-himalayan-kingdom-new-dawn-of-india-bhutan-2540.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305221025/http://www.ipcs.org/article/bhutan/elections-in-the-himalayan-kingdom-new-dawn-of-india-bhutan-2540.html |archive-date=2022-03-05 |access-date=29 May 2008 |work=Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies |url-status=live}}</ref> After the 1959 Tibetan riots and the arrival of the Dalai Lama in neighbouring India, some 6,000 Tibetans fled to Bhutan and were granted asylum. Bhutan closed its border with China, afraid that there would be more refugees.<ref name="BBCO2">{{Cite web |title=Bhutan: a land frozen in time |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profile/54627.stm |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6I5ptCTDO?url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profile/54627.stm |archive-date=2013-07-14}}</ref>
Bhutan has historical ties to [[Tibet]] through their culture, history, religion, and economy.<ref name="LibraryofCongress"></ref> However, their relationship became tense after Bhutan supported the [[British Empire]] and the [[British invasion of Tibet]]. With the signing of an agreement between the People's Republic of China and the Tibetan locals, and the deployment of troops on the border between China and Bhutan, Bhutan withdrew its representatives in the People's Republic of China from Lhasa.<ref name="VOS2">{{Cite news |last=Balaji |first=Mohan |date=January 12, 2008 |title=In Bhutan, China and India collide |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509184053/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=30 May 2008 |work=Asia Times Online}}</ref><ref name="IPCS2">{{Cite web |author=M Shamsur Rabb Khan |date=8 April 2008 |title=Elections in the Himalayan Kingdom: New Dawn of India-Bhutan Relations |url=http://www.ipcs.org/article/bhutan/elections-in-the-himalayan-kingdom-new-dawn-of-india-bhutan-2540.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305221025/http://www.ipcs.org/article/bhutan/elections-in-the-himalayan-kingdom-new-dawn-of-india-bhutan-2540.html |archive-date=2022-03-05 |access-date=29 May 2008 |work=Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies |url-status=live}}</ref> After the 1959 Tibetan riots and the arrival of the Dalai Lama in neighbouring India, some 6,000 Tibetans fled to Bhutan and were granted asylum. Bhutan closed its border with China, afraid that there would be more refugees.<ref name="BBCO2">{{Cite news |title=Bhutan: a land frozen in time |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profile/54627.stm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101111083203/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profile/54627.stm |archive-date=2010-11-11}}</ref>

The Indian government constrains Bhutan and needs India's approval when developing diplomatic relations with other countries. Bhutan has no diplomatic relations with any of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. It is the only UN member state worldwide that has not established diplomatic relations with either the People's Republic of China or the Republic of China. It is the only country of the PRC's bordering neighbors that do not have diplomatic relations with them.{{cn}}


=== Boundary issues ===
=== Boundary issues ===
{{Further-text|[[Bhutan–China border]]|{{ill|Territorial disputes between Bhutan and China|zh|中不边界争议}}}}With the entry of the People's Liberation Army into Tibet, some Tibetan settlements in western Tibet, formerly controlled by the Bhutanese government, came under the control of the People's Republic of China. While some sources believe that the Bhutan-China border was settled in a secret agreement during 1961, neither country has ever publicly acknowledged such an agreement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Swaran |url= |title=The new great game : China and South and Central Asia in the era of reform |date=2016 |publisher=[[Stanford University Press]] |others=Thomas Fingar |isbn=978-0-8047-9764-1 |location=Stanford, California |pages=163 |chapter=China Engages Its Southwest Frontier |oclc=939553543}}</ref> In 1998, the two countries signed a peace and tranquility agreement, although border disputes remain.<ref name=":0" /> A 2002 official statement by the King of Bhutan to the National Assembly, specifies that there are still four disputed areas between Bhutan and China.<ref name="HJ4">{{Cite web |title=Bhutan-China relations |url=http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021024231629/http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html |archivedate=2002-10-24 |accessdate=2014-07-06 |website=BhutanNewsOnline.com |url-status=dead}}{{in lang|en}}</ref>
{{Further-text|[[Bhutan–China border]]|{{ill|Territorial disputes between Bhutan and China|zh|中不边界争议}}}}[[File:Bhutan CIA WFB 2010 map.png|thumb|330px|Map of Bhutan showing border with China as of 2010]]With the entry of the People's Liberation Army into Tibet, some Tibetan settlements in western Tibet, formerly controlled by the Bhutanese government, came under the control of the People's Republic of China. While some sources believe that the Bhutan-China border was settled in a secret agreement during 1961, neither country has ever publicly acknowledged such an agreement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Swaran |url= |title=The new great game : China and South and Central Asia in the era of reform |date=2016 |publisher=[[Stanford University Press]] |others=Thomas Fingar |isbn=978-0-8047-9764-1 |location=Stanford, California |pages=163 |chapter=China Engages Its Southwest Frontier |oclc=939553543}}</ref> In the 1980s, Bhutan relinquished its claim to a 154-square-mile area called Kula Khari on its northern border with China.<ref name=":1" /> In 1998, the two countries signed a peace and tranquility agreement, although border disputes remain.<ref name=":0" /> A 2002 official statement by the King of Bhutan to the National Assembly, specifies that there are still four disputed areas between Bhutan and China.<ref name="HJ4">{{Cite news |title=Bhutan-China relations |url=http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021024231629/http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/bhutan_china.html |archivedate=2002-10-24 |accessdate=2014-07-06 |website=BhutanNewsOnline.com |url-status=dead}}{{in lang|en}}</ref>


The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to begin the process of settling the border.<ref name=":13">{{Cite book |last=Garlick |first=Jeremy |title=Advantage China: Agent of Change in an Era of Global Disruption |date=2024 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Academic]] |isbn=978-1-350-25231-8}}</ref>{{Rp|page=113}}
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to begin the process of settling the border.<ref name=":13">{{Cite book |last=Garlick |first=Jeremy |title=Advantage China: Agent of Change in an Era of Global Disruption |date=2024 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Academic]] |isbn=978-1-350-25231-8}}</ref>{{Rp|page=113}} In 2023, Bhutanese foreign minister [[Tandi Dorji]] met with Chinese foreign minister [[Wang Yi (politician)|Wang Yi]] and Chinese Vice President [[Han Zheng]] where both sides indicated hopes to resolve the border dispute and develop formal ties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-03-29 |title=China and Bhutan aim to resolve a long-running border dispute |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/china/2023/11/02/china-and-bhutan-aim-to-resolve-a-long-running-border-dispute |access-date=2024-07-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329232311/https://www.economist.com/china/2023/11/02/china-and-bhutan-aim-to-resolve-a-long-running-border-dispute |archive-date=29 March 2024 }}</ref>


=== Mitigation ===
=== Mitigation ===
In 1974, Bhutan invited [[Ma Muming]], [[Chargé d'affaires|Charge d'Affaires]] of the Chinese Embassy in India, to attend the coronation of the fourth Bhutanese King [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]. In 1983, Chinese Foreign Minister [[Wu Xueqian]] and Bhutanese Foreign Minister [[Dawa Tsering]] held talks in New York on establishing bilateral relations. In 1984, China and Bhutan began direct negotiations on the border dispute.<ref name="HJ4"/><ref name="VOS4">{{Cite web |last=Balaji |first=Mohan |date=Jan 12, 2008 |title=In Bhutan, China and India collide |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509184053/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=30 May 2008 |work=Asia Times Online}}</ref> Since then, the two countries have taken turns holding border meetings in their respective capitals.<ref name="PRC_MoFA">{{cite web |author= |date=2016 |title=中国同不丹的关系 |url=http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/web/gjhdq_676201/gj_676203/yz_676205/1206_676380/sbgx_676384/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024140751/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/web/gjhdq_676201/gj_676203/yz_676205/1206_676380/sbgx_676384/ |archive-date=2020-10-24 |accessdate=2014-08-23 |website=中华人民共和国外交部 |publisher= |language= |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1974, Bhutan invited [[Ma Muming]], [[chargé d'affaires]] of the Chinese Embassy in India, to attend the coronation of the fourth Bhutanese King [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]. In 1983, Chinese Foreign Minister [[Wu Xueqian]] and Bhutanese Foreign Minister [[Dawa Tsering]] held talks in New York on establishing bilateral relations. In 1984, China and Bhutan began direct negotiations on the border dispute.<ref name="HJ4" /><ref name="VOS4">{{Cite news |last=Balaji |first=Mohan |date=Jan 12, 2008 |title=In Bhutan, China and India collide |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509184053/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/JA12Ad02.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=30 May 2008 |work=[[Asia Times]]}}</ref>

China and Bhutan signed a bilateral agreement on their border disputes at the 12th boundary meeting in 1998.<ref name="PRC_MoFA" /> China reaffirmed its respect for Bhutan's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the agreement. The two sides also proposed the [[Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence]].<ref name="HJ4"/><ref name="IPV2">[http://www.himalmag.com/2007/may/analysis_india_bhutan_relation.htm India and the upcoming Druk democracy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113235410/http://www.himalmag.com/2007/may/analysis_india_bhutan_relation.htm|date=2008-01-13}} (May 2007). HimalMag.com. Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name="VOS4"/><ref name="BG">[http://bhutangazette.com/2007/06/07/growing-china-bhutan-relations-and-the-changing-strategic-equations-in-south-asia/ Bhutan Gazette]{{dead link|date=January 2023}} (7 June 2007). BhutanGazette. They were accessed on May 30, 2008.</ref> However, China later built roads in the territory claimed by Bhutan, and China was accused of violating the agreement and provoking tension.{{cn}}

In June 2012, then-Chinese Premier [[Wen Jiabao]] met with Bhutanese Prime Minister [[Jigme Thinley]], which was the first meeting between the two countries heads of government.{{cn}}

On October 14, 2021, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister [[Wu Jianghao]] and Bhutanese Foreign Minister [[Thandit Dorji]] signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the "Three-Step Roadmap" for accelerating the Sino-Bhutan border negotiations by video in [[Beijing]] and [[Thimphu]], respectively.{{cn}}


In 1998, China and Bhutan signed an ''Agreement to Maintain Peace and Tranquility'' on the Bhutan-China border.<ref name="VOS4" /><ref name=":2" /> The two sides also proposed the [[Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence]].<ref name="HJ4" /><ref name="IPV2">[http://www.himalmag.com/2007/may/analysis_india_bhutan_relation.htm India and the upcoming Druk democracy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113235410/http://www.himalmag.com/2007/may/analysis_india_bhutan_relation.htm|date=2008-01-13}} (May 2007). HimalMag.com. Accessed May 30, 2008.</ref><ref name="VOS4" /><ref name="BG">[https://web.archive.org/web/20230117005610/http://bhutangazette.com/2007/06/07/growing-china-bhutan-relations-and-the-changing-strategic-equations-in-south-asia/ Bhutan Gazette] (7 June 2007). BhutanGazette. They were accessed on May 30, 2008.</ref> However, China later built roads in the territory claimed by Bhutan, and China was accused of violating the agreement and provoking tension.<ref name=":1" /> In 2024, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that, according to [[satellite imagery]], China had constructed villages inside of disputed territory within Bhutan.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last1=Xiao |first1=Muyi |last2=Chang |first2=Agnes |date=2024-08-10 |title=China's Great Wall of Villages |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/08/10/world/asia/china-border-villages.html |access-date=2024-08-10 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=10 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810234238/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/08/10/world/asia/china-border-villages.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Chinese individuals, called "border guardians," received annual subsidies to relocate to newly built villages and paid to conduct border patrols.<ref name=":02" /> At least 22 Chinese villages and settlements have been constructed inside of disputed territory.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-15 |title=Forceful Diplomacy: China's Cross-Border Villages in Bhutan |url=https://turquoiseroof.org/forceful-diplomacy-china-cross-border-villages-in-bhutan/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Turquoise Roof |language=en-GB}}</ref>
[[File:Bhutan CIA WFB 2010 map.png|thumb|330px|Map of Bhutan showing border with China as of 2010]]


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 78: Line 43:
* [[Bhutan–India relations]]
* [[Bhutan–India relations]]
* [[Five Fingers of Tibet]], claims to Bhutan and other nearby territories made by PRC leader [[Mao Zedong]]
* [[Five Fingers of Tibet]], claims to Bhutan and other nearby territories made by PRC leader [[Mao Zedong]]
* [[Territorial disputes of the People's Republic of China]]
* [[List of territorial disputes#Asia|List of territorial disputes]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 85: Line 50:
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last1=Nayak |first1=Nihar R. |title=Political Changes in Nepal and Bhutan Emerging Trends in Foreign Policy in Post 2008 Period |date=September 2021 |publisher=Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |isbn=978-81-953957-1-2 |url=https://idsa.in/system/files/monograph/monograph72.pdf}}
* {{cite book |last1=Nayak |first1=Nihar R. |title=Political Changes in Nepal and Bhutan Emerging Trends in Foreign Policy in Post 2008 Period |date=September 2021 |publisher=Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |isbn=978-81-953957-1-2 |url=https://idsa.in/system/files/monograph/monograph72.pdf}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Thierry |first1=Mathou |title=Bhutan-China Relations: Towards a new Step in Himalayan Politics |journal=The Spider and the Piglet: Proceedings of the First Seminar on Bhutan Studies |date=2004 |pages=388–411 |doi=10.11588/XAREP.00002625 |url=http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/publicationFiles/ConferenceProceedings/SpiderAndPiglet/19-Spdr&Pglt.pdf |publisher=Centre for Bhutan Studies |doi-broken-date=15 April 2024 |isbn=99936-14-19-X}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Thierry |first1=Mathou |title=Bhutan-China Relations: Towards a new Step in Himalayan Politics |journal=The Spider and the Piglet: Proceedings of the First Seminar on Bhutan Studies |date=2004 |pages=388–411 |doi=10.11588/XAREP.00002625 |url=http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/publicationFiles/ConferenceProceedings/SpiderAndPiglet/19-Spdr&Pglt.pdf |publisher=Centre for Bhutan Studies |isbn=99936-14-19-X}}


{{Foreign relations of Bhutan}}
{{Foreign relations of Bhutan}}

Latest revision as of 22:41, 11 December 2024

Bhutan–China relations
Map indicating locations of China and Bhutan

China

Bhutan

Bhutan-China relations refer to the international relationship between the Kingdom of Bhutan and the People's Republic of China. As of present, Bhutan and China do not share an official diplomatic relationship with one another.[1]

Historically, Bhutan has followed a path of isolationism and non-alignment extending from the Cold War era to the present day. Bhutan's lack of formal diplomatic relations extend far beyond China; Bhutan does not have an official diplomatic relationship with any of the other four permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council.[2]

Geographically, Bhutan is sandwiched between the two neighbouring states of India to the south and China to the north and northeast. The Bhutan-China border runs approximately 477 km across very mountainous Himalayan terrain, connecting northern regions of Bhutan on the south of the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China north of the border.[3] The Bhutan-China border is porous and poorly demarcated, and has been a source of long running tension between the two states.[4] Territorial disputes with Bhutan have been a source of potential conflict. Since 1984, the two governments have conducted regular talks on border and security issues to reduce tensions.[5][6]

Background

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Bhutan has long had strong cultural, historical, religious, and economic connections to Tibet.[7] Relations with Tibet were strained when China took over Tibet in the 1950s. Unlike Tibet, Bhutan had no history of being under the suzerainty of China but fell under British suzerainty during the British Raj following the Treaty of Punakha in 1910.[7]

Bhutan's border with Tibet has never been officially demarcated. The territorial claim was maintained by the People's Republic of China after the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China in the Chinese Civil War.[citation needed] With the increase in soldiers on the Chinese side of the Sino-Bhutanese border after the 17-point agreement between the Tibetan government and the central government of the PRC, Bhutan withdrew its representative from Lhasa.[7][8][9]

The 1959 Tibetan uprising and the 14th Dalai Lama's arrival in neighboring India made the security of Bhutan's border with China a necessity for Bhutan. An estimated 6,000 Tibetans fled to Bhutan and were granted asylum, although Bhutan subsequently closed its northern border with China, fearing more refugees.[7][10]

Bhutan–China relations are constrained also by Bhutan's close relationship with India.[11] Nonetheless, relations with China have improved following China's Belt and Road Initiative.[12]: 215  Generally, Bhutan seeks balance with its larger neighbors China and India in order to avoid dependency on either country.[12]: 215 

History

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Bhutan has historical ties to Tibet through their culture, history, religion, and economy.[7] However, their relationship became tense after Bhutan supported the British Empire and the British invasion of Tibet. With the signing of an agreement between the People's Republic of China and the Tibetan locals, and the deployment of troops on the border between China and Bhutan, Bhutan withdrew its representatives in the People's Republic of China from Lhasa.[13][14] After the 1959 Tibetan riots and the arrival of the Dalai Lama in neighbouring India, some 6,000 Tibetans fled to Bhutan and were granted asylum. Bhutan closed its border with China, afraid that there would be more refugees.[15]

Boundary issues

[edit]
Map of Bhutan showing border with China as of 2010

With the entry of the People's Liberation Army into Tibet, some Tibetan settlements in western Tibet, formerly controlled by the Bhutanese government, came under the control of the People's Republic of China. While some sources believe that the Bhutan-China border was settled in a secret agreement during 1961, neither country has ever publicly acknowledged such an agreement.[16] In the 1980s, Bhutan relinquished its claim to a 154-square-mile area called Kula Khari on its northern border with China.[5] In 1998, the two countries signed a peace and tranquility agreement, although border disputes remain.[16] A 2002 official statement by the King of Bhutan to the National Assembly, specifies that there are still four disputed areas between Bhutan and China.[17]

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to begin the process of settling the border.[18]: 113  In 2023, Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng where both sides indicated hopes to resolve the border dispute and develop formal ties.[19]

Mitigation

[edit]

In 1974, Bhutan invited Ma Muming, chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in India, to attend the coronation of the fourth Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. In 1983, Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian and Bhutanese Foreign Minister Dawa Tsering held talks in New York on establishing bilateral relations. In 1984, China and Bhutan began direct negotiations on the border dispute.[17][20]

In 1998, China and Bhutan signed an Agreement to Maintain Peace and Tranquility on the Bhutan-China border.[20][1] The two sides also proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.[17][21][20][22] However, China later built roads in the territory claimed by Bhutan, and China was accused of violating the agreement and provoking tension.[5] In 2024, The New York Times reported that, according to satellite imagery, China had constructed villages inside of disputed territory within Bhutan.[23] Chinese individuals, called "border guardians," received annual subsidies to relocate to newly built villages and paid to conduct border patrols.[23] At least 22 Chinese villages and settlements have been constructed inside of disputed territory.[24]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Kaul, Nitasha (28 April 2022). "Beyond India and China: Bhutan as a Small State in International Relations". International Relations of the Asia-Pacific. 22 (2): 297–337. doi:10.1093/irap/lcab010. ISSN 1470-482X.
  2. ^ "China and Bhutan aim to resolve a long-running border dispute". The Economist. 2 November 2023. ISSN 0013-0613. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  3. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook -- Bhutan". 12 June 2007. Archived from the original on 12 June 2007. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  4. ^ McCarthy, Simone; Gan, Nectar (5 November 2024). "China is building new villages on its remote Himalayan border. Some appear to have crossed the line". CNN. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Barnett, Robert (7 May 2021). "China Is Building Entire Villages in Another Country's Territory". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  6. ^ Ethirajan, Anbarasan (27 April 2023). "Bhutan wants a border deal with China: Will India accept?". BBC News. Archived from the original on 15 May 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e Savada, Andrea Matles (September 1991). Nepal, and Bhutan : country studies. Library of Congress. pp. 330–333. ISBN 0844407771. Retrieved 30 May 2008. (source can also be found at the Library of Congress website: [1])
  8. ^ Balaji, Mohan (12 January 2008). "In Bhutan, China and India collide". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ M Shamsur Rabb Khan (8 April 2008). "Elections in the Himalayan Kingdom: New Dawn of India-Bhutan Relations". Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies. Archived from the original on 5 March 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  10. ^ Bhutan: a land frozen in time Archived 11 November 2010 at archive.today (9 February 1998). BBC. Accessed May 30, 2008.
  11. ^ Kelegama, Saman (2016). "China as a Balancer in South Asia". The New Great Game: China and South and Central Asia in the Era of Reform. Thomas Fingar. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. p. 203. doi:10.1515/9780804797641-013. ISBN 978-0-8047-9764-1. OCLC 939553543.
  12. ^ a b Alfred, Gerstl (2023). "China in its Immediate Neighborhood". In Kironska, Kristina; Turscanyi, Richard Q. (eds.). Contemporary China: a New Superpower?. Routledge. pp. 205–217. doi:10.4324/9781003350064-21. ISBN 978-1-03-239508-1.
  13. ^ Balaji, Mohan (12 January 2008). "In Bhutan, China and India collide". Asia Times Online. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. ^ M Shamsur Rabb Khan (8 April 2008). "Elections in the Himalayan Kingdom: New Dawn of India-Bhutan Relations". Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies. Archived from the original on 5 March 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  15. ^ "Bhutan: a land frozen in time". Archived from the original on 11 November 2010.
  16. ^ a b Singh, Swaran (2016). "China Engages Its Southwest Frontier". The new great game : China and South and Central Asia in the era of reform. Thomas Fingar. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. p. 163. ISBN 978-0-8047-9764-1. OCLC 939553543.
  17. ^ a b c "Bhutan-China relations". BhutanNewsOnline.com. Archived from the original on 24 October 2002. Retrieved 6 July 2014.(in English)
  18. ^ Garlick, Jeremy (2024). Advantage China: Agent of Change in an Era of Global Disruption. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 978-1-350-25231-8.
  19. ^ "China and Bhutan aim to resolve a long-running border dispute". The Economist. 29 March 2024. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  20. ^ a b c Balaji, Mohan (12 January 2008). "In Bhutan, China and India collide". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  21. ^ India and the upcoming Druk democracy Archived 2008-01-13 at the Wayback Machine (May 2007). HimalMag.com. Accessed May 30, 2008.
  22. ^ Bhutan Gazette (7 June 2007). BhutanGazette. They were accessed on May 30, 2008.
  23. ^ a b Xiao, Muyi; Chang, Agnes (10 August 2024). "China's Great Wall of Villages". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 10 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Forceful Diplomacy: China's Cross-Border Villages in Bhutan". Turquoise Roof. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.

Further reading

[edit]