‘Will look at all factors while constructing road in Doklam’
CHINA HAD ACCUSED INDIAN SOLDIERS OF “ILLEGAL TRESPASS” AND PREVENTING CHINESE SOLDIERS FROM BUILDING A ROAD IN THE REGION, ALSO CLAIMED BY BHUTAN
China on Tuesday said it will take into consideration “all factors” including weather conditions to carry forward its road construction plans in Doklam region near the Sino-India Sikkim boundary, a day after the two countries decided to defuse the 70-day military standoff in the area.
China had blamed India for the impasse, accusing Indian soldiers of “illegal trespass” and preventing Chinese soldiers from building a road in the region, which is also claimed by Bhutan.
In the long run up to the resolution, Beijing had repeatedly wanted India to withdraw its troops from Doklam before the two sides could begin talks; New Delhi had said the road, if built, would have serious security implications for India.
On Tuesday, asked, more than once, to clarify whether China had halted road construction in the area, the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA), spokesperson, Hua Chunying didn’t give a direct response.
Hua’s response was instead couched in ambiguous language that indicated China might have halted the construction of the road, which, in the first place, had triggered the standoff after Indian troops intervened.
“China has long engaged in infrastructure development including road construction in Doklam. We will take into consideration all factors including weather to make relevant construction plans according to the situation on the ground,” Hua said.
“In order to meet the needs of defending the borders, improving the living conditions, China has long engaged in infrastructure development including the road construction,” she said.
Hua reiterated that “Chinese border troops will continue to station and patrol the Doklam area. We will continue to exercise our sovereignty with historic conventions.” She didn’t answer a question whether China was in consultation with Bhutan, which has protested the Chinese troops’ road building in Doklam.
“So far, we have resolved the issue of illegal trespass of the Indian troops,” she said
On the upcoming BRICS summit, she said China hoped all member nations will play a role for the success of the grouping’s upcoming summit in Xiamen, a Chinese coastal city.