China and India accuse each other of opening fire as border tensions rise

Nuclear-armed neighbours swap accusations after clash in disputed Himalayan region

Tensions have escalated between Indian and Chinese forces along their disputed Himalayan border after accusations that shots were fired for the first time in 45 years.

China released a statement late on Monday night claiming Indian soldiers had crossed over the contested border in Ladakh, known as the line of actual control (LAC), and opened fire to threaten the Chinese border defence patrol officers".