As several attacks continue along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh over the border disputes and issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the National Security Advisor Mr Ajit Doval regarding the on-going dispute. Soon after this, Beijing stated that the situation at the border was “overall stable and controllable.”
“Foreign Minister hints at communication”
This was stated by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian during a media a conference where he also added that both China and India had proper communication mechanisms and channels to resolve the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy.
“We are committed to safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and security and safeguarding peace and stability in the border areas. Now the China-India border area situation is overall stable and controllable. We are capable of resolving the issues properly through dialogue and consultation. This includes the communication between border troops and between our diplomatic missions,” Lijian said.
This address came a day after President Xi Jinping of China had ordered the military to increase battle preparations and asked it to “resolutely defend the country’s sovereignty.”
“Foreign Minister refers to the summit during address”
“We are following the important consensus reached by the 2 leaders and strictly observing the agreements between the 2 countries,” the secretary of state said referring to the Wuhan and Mamallapuram informal summits between the 2 leaders.
One of the most recent battles came after both Indian and Chinese troops entered a standoff near Pangong Tso, one of the disputed regions. Since then there has only been an escalation if tensions at the eastern Ladakh border.
“Dialogue between commanders”
There have reportedly been at least six rounds of dialogue between the military commanders of both sides but without any success. The tensions have only risen as the Chinese military refuses to move out of Indian territory at three places and show no sign of de-escalation. In Galway valley, the Chinese have massed troops on their side of the LAC.
“Areas of battle”
As per records, the Chinese Army had increased its presence on the boundary with China in North Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, alongside Ladakh. Since then, there has only been an increase of troops that have taken place in Ladakh to strengthen Indian positions and create reserves.
The Army has also increased its presence along the boundary with China in Uttarakhand following reports that Chinese troops have been deployed in increasing numbers in the Guldong sector.
Besides tensions at Naku La in Sikkim and at Galway river and Pangong Tso in Ladakh, Indians have been worried about the Nepal government’s recent behaviour on the border map issue. Army Chief General MM Naravane recently said that Nepal was doing it at
“the behest of a 3rd party,” pertaining to China.
