Committed to peace: China on LAC face-off

THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY DID NOT SHARE DETAILS ABOUT THE CLASH BUT ATTEMPTED TO SUBTLY SHIFT BLAME TO THE INDIAN SIDE

on Monday sought to downplay the confrontation between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Sikkim’s Naku La over the weekend, saying the two countries should jointly uphold peace and handle differences.

Indian army on Sunday confirmed an HT report on clash and said a “heated confrontation took place between Indian and Chinese soldiers in north Sikkim Saturday, resulting in injuries on both sides”. Troops disengaged after talks at local army level.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not share details about the clash but attempted to subtly shift blame to the Indian side, saying Chinese soldiers were always upholding peace and tranquillity along border. “China and India stay in close communication and coordination concerning our border affairs within existing channels,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular briefing on Monday.

China said it was committed to upholding peace in the region.

He referred to the 70th anniversary of India-china diplomatic ties this year and added the two countries were joining hands in the fight against Covid-19. “Under such circumstances, the two sides should work together with each other, properly manage and handle the differences, earnestly uphold peace and stability in border region so as to create enabling conditions for our bilateral relations as well as the joint fight against Covid-19.”

Zhao denied suggestions Beijing was adopting an aggressive approach in its diplomacy as it is fighting Covid-19, which originated from China. “The relevant assumption is groundless,” he said in response to a question on it. “Since outbreak of Covid-19, China and India are in close communication on prevention and control.” India and China have held talks to resolve the dispute over the 3,488 km shared border.