China hindering normal patrolling along Line of actual control: Centre

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 21, 2020: China is hindering India’s normal patrolling along the Line of Actual Control, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, adding that India had a responsible approach to border management.

"All Indian activities are entirely on our side of the LAC. Indian troops did not cross LAC in Western Sector or Sikkim," the ministry said, NDTV reported.

 

"We are committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and security."

There have been several instances of Chinese incursion by land and air near the Ladakh boundary, one of which led to a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops.

Over the last weeks, reinforcement of troops across the border was conducted after reports of China pitching tents near river Galwan -- a 1962 flashpoint that has seen aggression in recent days -- and increasing construction activities.

Earlier this month, Indian and Chinese soldiers were involved in a face off on the banks of the high-altitude Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh and also in North Sikkim. Several Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in the incident in Ladakh.

Around the time, Chinese helicopters were also seen flying in the disputed region in eastern Ladakh.

The Air Force deployed Sukhoi-30 fighters at the time of the stand-off.

In South China Sea, Beijing is completion with Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei over the ocean areas and two island chains -- the Paracels and the Spratlys, believed to rich in mineral resources.

Over the last years, Washington and Beijing have been on a collision course, first over trade and currently over the coronavirus outbreak. US President Donald Trump has blamed China for the outbreak and suggested that he could even cut ties with the world’s second largest economy.

Accusing the World Health Organisation of siding with China, he has also threatened to permanently freeze the funding of the world body.

The US yesterday said border disputes with China -- be it in Ladakh or in the South China Sea -- were a "reminder of the threat by China".

The "provocations and disturbing behaviour by China that poses questions about how China seeks to use its growing power", said Alice Wells, Outgoing Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia.