BEIJING – China has accused Indian troops of crossing the border with China from the state of Sikkim on India’s northeastern border with Tibet in an attempt to block a road construction in Donglang(Doklam) area by the Chinese side.
According to a statement by the defence ministry, “Colonel Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense(MND), said on late Monday that Indian troops’ unilateral provocation has violated the consensus and relevant agreements on border issues between the Chinese and Indian governments, seriously endangering the peace and stability of the border areas.”
Ren noted that China was committed to developing bilateral relations with India, but it will also firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests.
He urged the Indian side not to complicate border issues and make joint efforts with China to maintain sound momentum in bilateral relations.
He further said that the China-Indian boundary in Sikkim has been delineated by historical treaties and the Indian government has repeatedly confirmed in writing after the independence of India, acknowledging that there is no objection to the trend of the boundary line at the Sikkim section, Ren said.
The spokespersons made it clear, “The construction of the roads in Donglang (Doklam) area by the Chinese side is entirely a sovereign act in its own territory, and the Indian side has no rights to interfere”.
Foreign Ministry
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang on Monday said that Indian troops “obstructed normal activities” by Chinese side on the border and urged it to withdraw immediately.
According to Dawn News, he also urged India to respect the sovereignty of China, besides following the bilateral treaties regarding border management.
