Geopolitical tensions to the fore in Asia......>

ASIA: Geopolitical tensions to the fore in Asia this morning. While North Korea

escalates tensions on its border with South Korea, China has accused India of

crossing the border between the two countries in the Himalayas, resulting in a

skirmish in which three Indian soldiers were killed. 

- Indian press have reported that there were casualties on both sides.

- The incident marks the first time in 45 years that soldiers on either side of

the border have been killed.

- Tensions along the disputed Sino-Indian border in the elevated Ladakh region

have been elevated for several months, with troop build-ups on both sides. China

remains committed to expanding its influence in Asia and protecting its Belt and

Road infrastructure corridor with neighbouring Pakistan, while Indian concerns

about encirclement from Chinese economic allies in Pakistan and Bangladesh are

growing.