The Chinese defence ministry late Thursday claimed that the current border situation between China and India is generally stable and that both nations have kept diplomatic and military channels open for dialogue. The remarks were made by senior colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s ministry of national defence, during a press briefing. The remarks come after India said that “the new round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting did not make any progress”.
“The above statement is not true,” said Colonel Zhang. He said at the recently concluded 21st round of Corps Commander Level Meeting between China and India on February 19 both sides had a positive, in-depth and constructive communication on resolving the border issues, concerns and agreed to reach a solution acceptable to both sides at an early date.
“China attaches great importance to the China-India military-to-military relations and hopes that India and China will work towards the same goal, enhance mutual trust, properly settle differences and jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” Zhang said.
The 21st round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point last month. During the meeting, India sought complete disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. The Indian side highlighted that the disengagement is necessary for restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas.
A report by the Press Trust of India said the Indian side “ strongly pressed for resolution of the lingering issues” at Depsang and Demchok points. The report, citing people familiar with the developments, said there was no tangible forward movement in the talks.
“The discussions built on the previous rounds, seeking complete disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) in Eastern Ladakh as an essential basis for restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas,” it said in a statement.
The MEA said the two sides shared their perspectives on this in the talks held in a “friendly and cordial” atmosphere.
“The two sides have agreed to maintain communication on the way ahead through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms. They also committed to maintain peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas in the interim,” it said.
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