China will defeat ‘invasions’: Xi at PLA anniversary
loves peace but has the confidence to defeat “all invasions”, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday, adding Beijing will never seek “aggression or expansion” amid the military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector, now in its second month and the longest in recent decades.
“We will never seek aggression or expansion, but we have the confidence to defeat all invasions,” Xi said in an address to mark the 90th year of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the world’s largest armed forces.
“We will never allow any people, organisation or political party to split any part of Chinese territory out of the country at any time, in any form,” he said at the ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. On Sunday, Xi made similar comments about China’s and PLA’s capabilities to ward off invasions. “I firmly believe that our gallant military has both confidence and ability to defeat all invading enemies,” he said at a military parade in the run-up to celebrations marking the PLA’s 90th year.
China has blamed India for the impasse, accusing Indian soldiers of trespassing and preventing Chinese soldiers from building a road in Donglang region, which is claimed by Bhutan.
Though neither of Xi’s two speeches specifically mentioned the Doklam standoff, the mention of “invasion” in his address assumes significance as the Chinese government, experts and media have repeatedly alleged that Indian border troops “invaded” Chinese territory.
China’s assertive stance on territorial disputes can also be observed in the South China Sea and East China Sea, where Beijing is locked in disputes with several countries, including Japan, over the ownership of islands, reefs, and resources under the waters. “No one should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit that is harmful to our sovereignty, security or development interests,” Xi said on Tuesday.
Though Xi’s speeches have been assertive, a leading PLA military expert told Hindustan Times there is little chance that China would go to war with India.