LAC deployment a defensive arrangement, says Beijing

BEIJING: The Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday said the country has deployed troops at the border to prevent India from encroaching its territory, while blaming New Delhi’s “aggressive policies” for the ongoing tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“The overall Sino-India bilateral ties should not be linked to the boundary dispute either,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.

The Chinese foreign ministry was reacting to a question on Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s comments on Tuesday where he said that the Chinese military deployment at the border and uncertainty if Beijing will fulfil its promise on troop reduction remain challenges in bilateral ties.

“The military deployment by China in the western sector along the border is a normal defensive arrangement... meant to prevent the encroachment or threat against China’s territory by relevant country,” Zhao said.