Holding Iron Rods... Video Released of Brutal Border Brawl in China

A scene of the border clash between China and India in June last year, released by the Chinese side, showing Chinese troops attempting to block numerous Indian soldiers. Photo by CCTV capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Nahana] China is promoting patriotism by partially disclosing casualties among its troops and on-site footage from the border clash with India in June last year.

On the 20th, Chinese media including the Liberation Army Daily reported that four Chinese soldiers died and one was seriously injured in the Galwan Valley border dispute area in June last year, and released videos on the China Central Television (CCTV) military channel showing the situation during the border clash. They stated that the Chinese troops attempted negotiations but were attacked by Indian forces.

Early footage shows numerous Indian soldiers carrying metal rods crossing a stream and approaching the Chinese side, with Chinese soldiers trying to stop them.

The video also includes scenes of Chinese troops surrounded by Indian soldiers, clashes continuing after sunset, and a wounded Chinese soldier being evacuated.

However, details about the reported 20 Chinese soldiers killed and the specific circumstances of the casualties were not included.

Chinese-language media Phoenix Net reported that about 10 Chinese soldiers initially attempted negotiations but faced dozens of times more Indian troops, and after 70 Chinese reinforcements arrived, they repelled nearly 600 Indian soldiers.

Phoenix Net explained that 50 Indian soldiers were captured as prisoners, about 100 were injured, and speculated that the number of Indian deaths, including missing persons beyond those officially announced by India, could be around 20 to 30.

China is using this border clash to commemorate the four who lost their lives, including Battalion Commander Chen Hongjun (陳紅軍), and seriously wounded Colonel Qi Fabao (祁發寶), promoting patriotism and emphasizing sacrifice for the nation.

CCTV, in an anchor briefing, mourned a fallen soldier, saying he wrote the battle slogan "Pure love, only for China." Hu Xijin (胡錫進), editor-in-chief of the Global Times, also emphasized, "Some of a soldier’s life belongs to the motherland, and at decisive moments, it can be 100% so."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying (華春瑩) said at a regular briefing the previous day, "I have read related reports several times and was deeply moved," and regarding the fallen soldiers, "They gave their lives to protect sovereignty."

The Central Military Commission of China awarded Colonel Qi the title of "Heroic Colonel Who Defended the Nation and Borders," Battalion Commander Chen the title of "Hero Who Defended the Nation and Borders," and posthumously awarded "First-Class Meritorious Service" to the other three fallen soldiers.

Meanwhile, the state-run Global Times stated that China disclosed the border clash with India only eight months after it occurred, noting, "Indian media exaggerated Chinese casualties immediately after the incident," and added, "If China had disclosed the casualty numbers at that time, a healthy environment for resolving the issue through dialogue would not have been created." It further explained, "This was to avoid further clashes at the frontline and between the peoples of both countries."