China scales back troops along LAC amid thaw in ties with India; down to 10 Arms Brigade
China has significantly reduced its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India in 2025, leaving 10 Combined Arms Brigade-size forces. This de-escalation comes amid increased political, diplomatic, and military engagement between the two nations, including high-level talks and summits.
Why it matters
The reduction in military presence signals a potential de-escalation of long-standing border tensions between two nuclear powers, fostering greater stability in a geopolitically crucial region and improving bilateral ties.
NEW DELHI: China has significantly reduced the deployment of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025, the ministry of defence said in a statement.The ministry said the year witnessed a “significant reduction in deployment” of PLA forces opposite India’s northern borders. It said 10 Combined Arms Brigade-size forces remained deployed in areas along the LAC and in traditional training areas.At the same time, the Indian Army’s deployment across all sectors of the LAC remained “robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency”, the ministry said.The reduction in Chinese troop deployment came amid increased political, diplomatic and military engagement between India and China, which the ministry said helped bring greater stability along the Northern Borders.India and China resumed several mechanisms for dialogue during the year.
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