Following New Delhi’s decision to deploy an additional 1,000 troops along the India-China border, Beijing issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the move would not ease tensions between the two nations. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, expressed concern, stating, “India enhancing military deployments in the India-China border areas does not help ease the situation or safeguard tranquility and safety.”
Reports suggest that India recently redirected thousands of military personnel to bolster its western borders, particularly in an effort to secure its frontier with China. Despite this defensive measure, China firmly conveyed its stance, asserting its commitment to de-escalating tensions in the border areas.
At a press briefing, Mao Ning reiterated China’s dedication to working with India to maintain peace in the volatile border regions. He emphasized that increasing troop presence would not contribute to easing tensions and urged both nations to collaborate in preserving tranquility and stability along the border.
In addition to the recently deployed 1,000 troops, an existing contingent of 9,000 troops assigned to the Chinese border will be brought under a new fighting command. This combined force will oversee the security of approximately 530 km (330 miles) of border separating China’s Tibet region from India’s northern states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
The backdrop of this military posturing dates back to May 2020 when Chinese forces opposed Indian construction activities in the Galwan River valley. The tensions escalated, leading to shots being fired along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for the first time in 45 years, with both sides blaming each other for the confrontation.
Despite diplomatic talks initiated after the Galwan clash, progress has been minimal over 21 rounds of negotiations. Both nations have subsequently bolstered military infrastructure, deployed missiles and aircraft, and increased troop presence along the border, reflecting the persisting challenges in Sino-Indian relations.
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!