China, India warring over another country's drinking water

China and India are warring over Bhutan water rights.

NEW DEHLI / BEIJING - India and Bhutan are in a heated border dispute with China over an area known as the Doklam Plateau. It is claimed by both China and Bhutan. Doklam holds strategic interest for all involved, and India backs Bhutan's claim.

Tibet, a treasure-trove of natural resources, including water and precious metals, is a great strategic asset for China in its pursuit of an often improvident style of economic growth. The sprawling Tibetan plateau also arms Beijing with water leverage over downstream countries because it is the starting point for most of Asia's great rivers, many of which are being heavily dammed just before they cross into neighbouring nations.

Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) continue to patrol the Doklam plateau two weeks after the 71-day military standoff between India and China was brought to an end through diplomatic channels. The Chinese soldiers have reportedly built bunkers on a ridge line behind the disputed region, triggering fears of a fresh military standoff between both countries, India Today reported.