China can defeat invading enemies, says President Xi
BEIJING: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has the capability to defeat “invading” enemies and protect the country’s sovereignty, President Xi Jinping told China’s armed forces on Sunday amid the Sino-India military standoff at the Donglang area near the Sikkim border.
Addressing a military parade to mark the 90th anniversary of the PLA in Inner Mongolia, Xi, in camouflage military fatigue, said, “The PLA has the confidence and capability to defeat all invading enemies and protect China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests.”
“The PLA also has the confidence and capability to build a stronger military and make new and greater contribution to realising China’s two centenary goals and the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, and safeguarding world peace,” Xi was quoted as having said by the official media.
There was no direct reference to India or any mention of the ongoing standoff in the Donglang (Doklam) area in the excerpts of Xi’s speech released by the media but the reference to “invading enemies” seems to be clear indication who the Chinese President was talking about.
China’s officials and media have repeatedly alleged that Indian troops had “invaded” and “illegally trespassed” into Chinese territory in Donglang .
It was the first time that Xi presided over such a large military parade in the field, official news agency, Xinhua reported.
China has blamed India for the ongoing impasse, accusing Indian soldiers of trespassing and preventing Chinese soldiers from building a road in the region.