Even as India and China released a positive joint statement about the seventh round of Commander Level talks in Chushul near the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday issued a provocative statement about Indian territories in its regular press conference.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Beijing doesn’t recognize "Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh and they added that Ladakh Union Territory is a region “illegally established by India".
Reacting to the inauguration of the 44 bridges by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chinese MFA spokesperson said that China stands against the development of infrastructure facilities aimed at military contention along the border area.
Foreign Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, replied to a question about India opening a series of new bridges allowing all-weather access to the border with China, saying China does not recognise either Ladakh or Arunachal Pradesh.
“First, China doesn't recognize the so-called "Ladakh Union Territory" illegally set up by India or the "Arunachal Pradesh", and opposes infrastructure building aimed at military contention in disputed border areas. Based on the consensus reached by the two sides recently, neither side should take any action that might complicate the situation at the border region, so that bilateral efforts to ease tension will not be undermined,” he said.
At the same time, India has responded that it does not require Chinese approval to claim Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh as its own. China came out with a protest against Home Minister Amit Shah `s visit to Arunachal Pradesh in February.
“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inevitable part of the country.Indian leaders would definitely visit Arunachal Pradesh just like any other states.”, India responded to China's protest.
Meanwhile, India and China informed that talks would continue to resolve border issues. The issue of withdrawal of troops from Eastern Ladakh was the immediate concern of the discussion. The seventh phase of the talks has been completed. In the first phase of the talks, details of current army stations were exchanged. ‘The talks were very fruitful and positive”, the foreign ministry said. It was also decided to contact the embassies of the countries on a regular basis to resolve the issues. They have come to an understanding that they will ensure the security of the area with the exchange of constant cooperation and without exaggerating the conflicting views on the dispute. The last discussion was concluded under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, who was the head of the 14th Corps. Lt. Gen. PGK Menon, who has taken over the charge as the new chief, will lead further discussions. India has set up a permanent system at the strategic heights of Pangong Tso. Former Army chief Vinod Bhatia has said that there is no tension on the border at present.
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