Amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and China, Beijing has issued a strong statement criticizing India's decision to deploy additional troops along the border, emphasizing that such actions are counterproductive to efforts aimed at easing the situation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in a press briefing, expressed concerns over India's reinforcement of military presence along the border, stating that it undermines peace and tranquility in the region.
Responding to reports suggesting that India has deployed 10,000 new troops along the border with China, Mao Ning reiterated China's commitment to upholding peace in border areas but criticized India's actions as detrimental to the bilateral efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions.
He emphasized that India's moves do not align with the mutual understanding reached between the two countries regarding the need to reduce tensions along the border.
The strained relationship between India and China stems from a military standoff that began nearly four years ago, particularly highlighted by confrontations in eastern Ladakh in 2020.
Despite attempts to ease tensions through dialogue, the situation has remained precarious, with both sides maintaining a significant military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
In February 2024, India and China held the 21st round of Corps Commander-level talks at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point. The discussions focused on achieving complete disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh to restore peace and tranquility in the border regions.
Both sides shared their perspectives during the talks, which were conducted in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. The outcome of the meeting emphasized the commitment of both India and China to maintain communication through relevant military and diplomatic channels.
Additionally, they pledged to uphold peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas while continuing to engage in discussions to address outstanding issues.
The remarks from the Chinese Foreign Ministry highlight the ongoing challenges in India-China relations and the complexities involved in resolving border disputes.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions persist, underscoring the need for sustained dialogue and mutual understanding to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.