Crossing the Himalayas: China reopens a passage to India
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article1090865.ece
At 15,000ft above sea level, the Silk Road pass is the world's highest
- and loneliest - customs post. Now it is back in business in a bid to
revive an ancient trade route
By Justin Huggler and Clifford Coonan
Published: 20 June 2006
High in the Himalayas, a barbed wire fence snakes its way across a
desolate landscape. On most days, a thick, white, freezing cloud
descends across the peaks, and it is hard to see anything. But now and
then a figure looms out of the mist, dressed in combat fatigues. It is
like a scene from some old war film. This is where the Chinese and
Indian armies have faced off against each other across a border that
has been closed for 44 years.
But now there is frenetic activity on both sides of the border.
Bulldozers are clearing land. Prefabricated warehouses have been put
up. At 14,400ft above sea level, the world's highest custom house is
back in business: the border is about to reopen. This is the return of
the Silk Road.
Silk Road
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.atheism/msg/b392267e62b9fee6
India's China war
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.atheism/msg/bea04c08e360631a
China / India
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.atheism/msg/f08dc99bfc09c819
Is the wakening giant a monster?
http://tinyurl.com/iws6
A Blueprint for the Future
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.atheism/msg/0566c3afe4d81c92
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