China intimidating neighbours, says US

New Delhi, January 11

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As the military commanders of India and China are set to meet for yet another round of talks for reducing tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the US has said it was concerned at China’s attempt to “intimidate” its neighbours.

Military Commanders at the level of Lt Generals are to meet for the 14th round of talks at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh tomorrow.

In Washington, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the US was closely monitoring the situation along the India-China border. “We continue to support dialogue and peaceful resolution of border disputes,” she said.

“Beijing’s behaviour in the region and around the world can be destabilising. And we’re concerned by the China’s attempt to intimidate its neighbours. We’ll continue to stand with our partners,” Psaki asserted. India and the US are strategic partners.

Sources in India said they looked forward to a “constructive” dialogue with China. Beijing, however, said the current situation in the border areas with India was “stable”, but it sort of apportioned the blame on India.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, “China hopes that India will help the situation move from an emergency mode to a regular daily based management phase.” India has maintained that military deployments were done due to China’s attempt to unilaterally alter the LAC. Wang said: “At present, the situation in the border areas is stable on the whole and the two sides are in dialogue and communication through diplomatic and military channels.”