New Delhi: A detailed statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday has said that India may not only have to scale down its forces in Doklam, but also pull back all its troops to end the military standoff in the area.
“As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory,” the foreign ministry said, adding that Indian troops in the Doklam or Dong Lang area peaked to 400 personnel at one point.
“On 16 June 2017, the Chinese side was building a road in the Dong Lang area. On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La [Doka La] pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area,” the statement said.
“In addition to the two bulldozers, the trespassing Indian border troops, reaching as many as over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 meters into the Chinese territory,” it said.
It said that India was informed in advance about China’s intent to start road construction in the area. “China did not cross the boundary in its road-building, and it notified India in advance in full reflection of China’s goodwill,” it said.
The Chinese side reiterated that India must unconditionally pull back its troops from the stand-off area. “The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident.”
The foreign ministry warned that “no country should ever underestimate the resolve of theChinese government and people to defend China’s territorial sovereignty.” It asserted that “China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.”
Wednesday’s statement appears to rebut India’s stance on the stand-off, including the June 30 statement of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).