China makes new claim in eastern border with Bhutan

WITH CHINA making new territorial claims in its eastern border with Bhutan this week, there is considerable disquiet in Delhi.

Beijing made this claim while objecting to a request to develop the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary in eastern Bhutan’s Trashigang district at an online meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Set up in 1992, GEF is a US-based global body to finance projects in the environment sector.

Bhutan objected to the Chinese claim, and the GEF council passed the project for funding. The GEF, according to sources, rejected the Chinese claim and approved the project — but the views of both parties were reflected in the minutes.