Amidst the ongoing diplomatic impasse between India and China, the Chinese government responded emphatically, asserting that escalating troop numbers along the border would not alleviate the prevailing tensions. China conveyed its steadfast commitment to preserving peace and serenity in the border regions.
During a routine press briefing on Wednesday, Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, articulated, “India’s decision to bolster military presence along the Sino-Indian border hinders the collaborative efforts to de-escalate tensions and undermines the quest for peace and tranquility in the border regions.”
Beijing’s rejoinder was prompted by a query from Bloomberg regarding recent reports suggesting India’s deployment of an additional 10,000 troops along the border with China. Expounding further, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson remarked that New Delhi’s actions are not “conducive” to fostering peace and tranquility at the border.
Mao Ning expounded, stating, “China remains unwavering in its dedication to upholding peace and tranquility in the border areas. India’s maneuvers are counterproductive to the peace and tranquility sought at the border, deviating from the mutual understandings established by China and India to de-escalate tensions in the border regions.”
The military standoff between India and China has persisted for nearly four years, originating from confrontations in eastern Ladakh in 2020. Notably, in February of the current year, the 21st round of Corps Commander level discussions transpired at the Chushul-Moldo border, a significant effort to diffuse tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Detailing the event, the official statement conveyed, “The 21st round of India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting transpired at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on 19th February 2024. The deliberations built upon prior rounds, with a focus on complete disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, deemed crucial for reinstating peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.”
The perspectives of both nations were exchanged amicably during these talks, fostering a cooperative and cordial atmosphere. The statement emphasized the commitment of both sides to maintaining open communication through relevant military and diplomatic channels, underscoring their dedication to preserving peace and tranquility on the ground in the border regions during this interim period.