Chinese actions have resulted in border standoff: MEA spokesperson

The military standoff in Eastern Ladakh over the last six months is a consequence of Chinese actions, India said on Friday, adding that Beijing seeks to bring about a “unilateral change” in the status along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 

The comments came from External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava during a media briefing when questioned on the fresh remarks by the Chinese foreign ministry blaming India for the situation along the border in eastern Ladakh, PTI reported. 

“Our position has been very clear and has been articulated several times in the past. The situation that we have seen since the last six months has been a result of the actions of the Chinese side which has sought to effect a unilateral change in status along the LAC in eastern Ladakh,” Srivastava said. 

“These actions are in violation of the bilateral agreements and protocol on ensuring peace and tranquillity along the LAC in the India-China border areas,” he added. 

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday blamed India again for the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.

“We have taken note of the Chinese side’s statement that it observes ‘strictly the agreements between the two sides and is committed to resolving the border issue through dialogue and safeguarding peace and tranquillity’ in the border areas. We expect that the Chinese side will match its words with actions,” Srivastava said.

The armies of India and China are locked in a tense border standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May. Both sides have held multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks. However, no breakthrough has been achieved yet.

Srivastava said the two sides have continued to maintain communication through diplomatic and military channels.

“It is our expectation that the further discussions will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector and full restoration of peace and tranquillity as early as possible,” he said.