NEW DELHI: After suffering border casualties in Galwan, the retreat and dismantling of military infrastructure in Pangong Tso marks another first in recent history for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) that has refused to vacate occupied territory like the artificial South China Sea islands that came up even in the face of a US Navy-led security architecture. While a cautious approach is being taken in power corridors as the disengagement is ongoing, there is appreciation of the fact that a tough Indian border stance has forced China to reconsider occupation of disputed territory and move back, despite creating formidable defences and military infrastructure along Pangong Tso.