China hails Indian Army's stand

Beijing: China on Wednesday appreciated the Indian Army's response on recent reports of incursions by the PLA in Ladakh, saying it reflected "objective understanding" of the "special situation" along the borders.

In a guarded response to the reports that the Chinese troops entered 25 to 30 km deep into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Burtse area in Ladakh, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying called on media to be more objective in reporting such incidents.

"China has noted relevant reports and the Indian position. The Indian position reflects the objective understanding and rational attitude towards the special situation in the China-India border areas," she said in an apparent reference to denial of the incident by Indian Army officials. Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag himself said "there is nothing like that". "The border troops of China and India are very clear about the actual situation on the border. For a long time, they have exercised restraint and have maintained peaceful coexistence," Hua said in a written response to PTI query over the presence People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops in the Burtse area which was noticed last weekend. "On the whole, the situation along the LAC is peaceful and stable," she said adding that China is willing to work with the Indian side to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity along the border areas.