In response to questions about the boundary dispute with India, the Chinese Ministry of National Defence emphasized that the issue is a "legacy matter" and cautioned against linking it with the overall bilateral relations between the two countries. Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the ministry, made these remarks during a media briefing, reacting to statements from India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar.
Jaishankar had reportedly stated that China violated bilateral consensus in 2020 by amassing a large number of military forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), leading to the conflict in the Galwan Valley. Tensions between India and China have persisted since May 2020, culminating in a deadly clash in June 2020 in the Galwan Valley, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Wu reiterated China's claim that the Galwan Valley lies on the Chinese side of the western sector along the LAC and asserted that the incident occurred when the Indian side violated consensus and made unilateral provocations. He placed the responsibility for the conflict squarely on the Indian side.
Despite India's insistence that the restoration of normalcy in relations depends on resolving the border issue, China continues to advocate for delinking the border matter from overall bilateral relations. Wu highlighted that communication and coordination have been maintained through military and diplomatic channels over the past three years, with 20 rounds of Corps Commanders level meetings leading to disengagement at various points along the border.
Wu emphasized that the border dispute is a historical issue but should not define the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. He urged India to work collaboratively with China to build strategic mutual trust, manage differences effectively, and uphold peace and tranquility in border areas. The spokesperson did not provide details about the next Corps Commander Level Meeting when questioned, stating that the ministry will release the information in due course.
(With Agency Inputs)
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