After the US, China is evacuating citizens from India as border tensions escalate and COVID-19 cases spike

• The Chinese Embassy in India has issued a notice to evacuate its citizens from India as coronavirus cases continue to increase and border tensions escalate.
• China’s Embassy in the US as issued a similar notice earlier this month, however, applications have not been getting approved by the US authorities according to China’s spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry.
• Relations between the US and China are on the brink of a cold war as per experts, which could force other countries, like India, to choose sides.

The Chinese Embassy in India posted a notice on its website to help its citizens India come home if they’re facing ‘difficulties’. The announcement comes in after tensions between the two countries have reportedly been escalating along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and coronavirus cases in India continue to rise.


Over the past month, multiple skirmishes have been reported along the border that India and China share in Sikkim and Ladakh. Chinese troops have reportedly tripled their boat patrols in Pangong Tso Lake. China may have posted as many as 5,000 additional soldiers along the LAC as per the Hindustan Times as the standoff worsens.



China made a similar move in the US
The Chinese Embassy in the US issued a similar notice as the relationship between the two countries teeters on the brink of a cold war. Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, pointed out that applications by Chinese citizens have not been able to get the requisite approval from the US authorities.

“It is regretful that the temporary flights are compelled to be delayed as the US hasn't approved the flight applications. We hope the US will act out of the humanitarian spirit and complete all procedures for the flights as soon as possible to facilitate the Chinese students' return,” he said.

Experts believe that the rising tensions between China and the US could further exacerbate problems for other countries, like India, who will be forced to choose sides. "For the international system as a whole, a Cold War would be devastating,” Elizabeth Economy, the director for Asia studies at the Council of Foreign Relations told Business Insider.

The Chinese government has clarified that anyone looking to leave India will bear the cost of the tickets and any associated isolation fees. The price of the tickets will be determined by the airlines. The deadline to register is May 27.

SEE ALSO:

Standoff continues at India-China border with no indication of 'positive outcome'
‘Not accurate’ and ‘nonsense’ — India and China in a war of words in New Delhi while flexing muscles across the Ladakh border
US Ambassador backs India on rising tensions at China border— 'it's a reminder of what’s at stake'