Top Chinese and Indian officials have held meetings in Beijing amid a tense border stand-off in the Himalayas.

Analysts said the current border stand-off between China and India is the result of strategic mistrust, particularly on the part of India.

The scale of this impasse is larger than previous frictions, noted Associate Professor Li Mingjiang from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, with both sides sending more troops than before. There are also stronger mobilisation efforts, including exercises and major logistics supply activity, “in preparation for the worst-case scenario”.

Diplomatically, both sides have taken tough positions, he said, with the Chinese making it clear that talks can take place only after India has withdrawn its troops. India has shown no sign that it will acquiesce.

Indeed, Reuters reported earlier this week that the two sides’ diplomats are quietly trying to ensure the stand-off does not escalate and find a way for both sides to back down without losing face.

However, even after the current stalemate is resolved, it will have a negative impact on China’s relationship with India, analysts say.

“It will further increase strategic mistrust between the two countries and may also help propel India to move closer to the United States and Japan, especially the U.S. in terms of defence and security cooperation,” said Prof Li.