What’s new: Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army on Monday told India to immediately withdraw its troops who “illegally trespassed” beyond the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the southern bank of the Pangong Tso Lake and near the Reqin Mountain, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Zhang called India’s move a “flagrant provocation,” creating tension on the border. The Indian action has severely violated China’s territorial sovereignty and harmed the peace and stability along the border, Zhang said, noting that China strongly opposes the Indian side’s “faithless act of repudiating past promises”.
India should strictly control and restrain its frontline troops, take concrete actions to honor its promises and avoid further escalating tension, the spokesman said.
What’s more: When asked about the situation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a press conference Monday that: “The Chinese border troops have been strictly observing the Line of Actual Control and never crossed the line. The Chinese and Indian border troops are in contact with each other regarding the issue on the ground.”
Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) and editor Marcus Ryder (marcusryder@caixin.com)
