China racked up higher-than-reported deaths in Galwan Valley clash: Australian newspaper

This photograph provided by the Indian Army, according to them shows Chinese troops dismantling their bunkers at Pangong Tso region, in Ladakh along the India-China border on Monday, Feb.15, 2021.

China's deaths in the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 - the deadliest confrontation between the two countries in over four decades - were much higher than reported, according to a report by the Australian newspaper The Klaxon. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the news development.

Many soldiers drowned while crossing a fast-flowing, sub-zero river in darkness, as per The Klaxon which cited findings of a report titled ‘Galwan Decoded’ prepared by a group of social media researchers.

Also Read: India, China agree on early resolution of pending issues at LAC to restore peace

It is a product of an year-long investigation involving discussions with mainland Chinese bloggers, information obtained from mainland-based Chinese citizens, and media reports that have since been deleted by Chinese authorities.

EXCLUSIVEThe deadly 2020 China-India Himalayan clash was sparked over a "temporary bridge crossing" installed over the Galwan River, according to new claims. Chinese casualties allegedly higher than officially reported. https://t.co/17CAEoDsDy

— Anthony Klan (@Anthony_Klan) February 2, 2022

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Given its strategic importance, tensions had been mounting in the Galwan Valley for several years.

Pakistan, India, and China each stake claims to parts of the Kashmir region. India and China are separated by a de facto border - the Line of Actual Control (or LAC) in the region - but it is poorly demarcated, and patrolling soldiers often cross paths.