China ‘pleased’ with Indian military’s withdrawal from disputed border
China has hailed a decision by the Indian military to withdraw from a disputed border region in the Himalayas, ending a months-long stand-off between the two Asian powers.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular news briefing on Monday that Indian troops, this morning, pulled out of Doklam.
She said Chinese personnel on the ground had confirmed that Indian forces and equipment had been moved out from the area, and that Chinese troops had resumed patrols on their side of the disputed border.
“I am pleased to confirm that trespassing Indian personnel have all pulled back to the Indian side ... [and] Chinese troops continue to patrol on the Chinese side of the border,” she said.
Doklam is a disputed plateau located between China and Bhutan. India, which is a close ally of Bhutan, has a military base nearby the disputed area.
India’s Foreign Ministry had earlier announced that New Delhi reached an understanding with Beijing on the row, adding there would be an “expeditious disengagement” in Doklam.
The stand-off began in mid-June after Chinese troops started building a road in the remote area.
India intervened in the work by moving its soldiers into the flashpoint zone to stop construction, prompting Beijing to accuse it of trespassing on Chinese soil.
During this period, China repeatedly told India to withdraw its troops. India responded by saying both sides should withdraw their troops from the region.
Monday’s announcement comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for a BRICS summit, which also include Brazil, Russia and South Africa.
Hua further said China has “friendly relations with India” and hopes its neighbor can “earnestly abide by historical relations and norms governing international law.”
“We will, based on mutual respect for sovereignty, uphold peace and tranquility in border areas with India,” she said.
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