China’s Defense Ministry on Thursday said its military values its relations with the Indian Army and 20 rounds of corps commander-level talks have helped in reducing tensions amid the standoff in eastern Ladakh.
Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a standoff at some friction points in eastern Ladakh for more than three years, even as both sides have withdrawn their troops from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.
India has been saying that its relations with China cannot be normalized until peace is restored in the border areas. Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of National Defense, while replying to a question on the long-running standoff in eastern Ladakh, said that the current situation on the India-China border remains stable.
He said that under the guidance of top leaders, both sides have maintained effective dialogue through diplomatic and military channels and have made gradual progress in resolving outstanding issues in the ‘Western Sector’.
Referring to the progress made in the 20 rounds of Corps Commander level talks held so far to resolve the standoff, he said that the talks have become an important platform for border control and have led to the resolution of four issues including Galwan Valley, Pangong Lake and Hot Springs. Played a role in withdrawing troops from the areas.
The Indian side is insisting on resolving the pending issue in Depsang and Demchok areas. Colonel Wu said, “China attaches importance to India-China military relations. “We hope that the Indian side will work with us to restore mutual trust, appropriately resolve differences and achieve the goal of peace and stability on the borders.”
The last Corps Commander level talks were held on December 9-10 at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
However, Colonel Wu did not say anything about the next round of talks. He said, “We will give information in the coming time for the next meeting of the Corps Commander level.”