'Chinese actions led to India-China border tension', MEA hits back

New Delhi, June 25: The Ministry of External Affairs said that the Chinese actions over the last year, including amassing a large number of troops close to border areas in Ladakh and trying to unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC have seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

 

In a media briefing that took place on Thursday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "It is well recognized that it has been the Chinese actions over the last year, including amassing of a large number of troops close to border areas in the Western Sector, and trying to unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC, which have seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the border areas," he said.

 

 

Further, he added that the actions of the Chinese Army are in violation of our bilateral agreements, including the 1993 and 1996 agreements. "These acts are in violation of our bilateral agreements, including the 1993 and 1996 agreements that mandate that the two sides shall strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control and that two sides will keep their military forces in the areas along the Line of Actual Control to a minimum level."

 

His remarks came after China's Foreign Ministry spokesman said that deployment along the western section of the China-India border was a "normal defence arrangement". He also said the prolonged border issue with India should be addressed through peaceful negotiations and not be linked to bilateral relations.

 

 

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area.

 

The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. India has been particularly pressing for the disengagement of troops in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang. Last month, Indian Army Chief Gen. MM Naravane said that there can be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh and that the Indian Army is prepared for all contingencies in the region.