What are Asian Territorial Disputes?

The sovereignty and integrity of a state’s territory are at stake in territorial conflicts, and they’ve been the most common cause of conflict and war. Since 1945, Asia has been more prone to disputes over territorial, maritime boundaries, Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge area than any other area. Conflicts over land have been most common in Asia, where militarisation and interstate conflict have resulted. 

On the other hand, disputes in Asia have a lower settlement rate than in other regions. There are much more territorial disputes in Asia than everywhere else today. With the emergence of new powers embroiled in a slew of territorial disputes, such conflicts will exacerbate the already tense situation.

Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge Area

The Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge Area issue between India and Pakistan has significantly influenced the deterioration of relations between the two nations.

Both countries have claimed the entire Siachen territory as their own. As Cold War allies in the 1920s and early 1980s, the United States and Pakistan governments displayed erroneous maps of the Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge Area, showing a dotted line from point NJ9842 to the Karakoram Pass. According to the 1972 Shimla Agreement, neither India nor Pakistan could unilaterally change the Line of Control’s representation without consultation, which was a cartographic blunder on India’s part.

India began Operation Meghdoot in 1984. As a result, India gained sovereignty over the whole Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge Area and its tributaries. Operation Ababeel, Pakistan’s counter-offensive to seize control of Saltoro Ridge, west of Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge Area, was ahead of schedule. Due to the extreme weather, there has been a loss of life on both sides of the Siachen Glacier. Frostbite, avalanches, and winter storms kill more soldiers than gunshots. India and Pakistan continue to send troops to Siachen despite the tough conditions. Efforts to demilitarise the area have so far failed.

Current Indian and Pakistani leaders, such as the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, have made several trips to the Siachen Glacier. As the first head of state from any country to visit the region, former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam (born on October 15th, 1931) made history. Limited mountaineering and trekking trips have been allowed in the area since September 2007. Cadets from Chail Military School, the National Defence Academy, the National Cadet Corps, the Indian Military Academy, the Rashtriya Indian Military College, and members of officials’ families in the armed forces made up the first set of visitors.

Sir Creek

The conflict over Sir Creek continues to be a significant barrier that prevents Pakistan and India from making significant headway in their relationship. Still, it also has a tremendous opportunity to be resolved through the application of international law and bilateral negotiations. To better inform future conversations between the two states, let us investigate several significant historical, legal, and political aspects of the Sir Creek conflict. I will, among other things, talk about the current state of the legislation and how it relates to the conflict that is going on. Regarding Sir Creek, some of the other aspects that will be taken into account include, but are not limited to: 

• The impetus for both states to adhere to the law of the sea 
• The potential for international dispute resolution 
• The appropriate choice of procedure for settlement 
• The significance of relevant international legal proceedings on the dispute. 

In addition to this, a comprehensive look will be taken at the myriad aspects important to the peaceful resolution of river boundary disputes.

Parts of Three Pagodas Pass

Parts of Three Pagodas Pass, also known as Thai Phra Chedi Sam Ong, is the highest point in Thailand. It is located in the Tenasserim Mountain Range, approximately 100 miles (160 kilometres) southeast of Moulmein, located in Myanmar. At an elevation of 284 metres, this route connects the western part of Thailand to the southeast of Myanmar. 

Over several centuries, it was the principal link between Myanmar and the plain of the Chao Phraya River, acting as a route for commercial and military traffic into Myanmar. During World War II, the Japanese constructed the Thanbyuzayat–Ban Pong railway across the pass. This project is represented in the novel and The Bridge on the River Kwai film.

Conclusion

In addition to the disagreements on Taiwan’s unification, China has territorial issues along its extensive border with India, its border with Bhutan, the Senkaku Islands with Japan, the Paracel Islands with Vietnam, and the Spratly Islands with several other states. When the official officials of one country make clear comments claiming sovereignty over a particular piece of land claimed or controlled by another country, this can lead to territorial disputes between the two countries. Since 1816, the Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) Project has compiled a list of more than 800 territorial disputes worldwide.