Japan supports India's approach on Doklam stand-off with China

Speaking about India's role in Doklam dispute, Japanese Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu, said: "We understand that India is involved in this incident based on bilateral agreements with Bhutan. External Affairs Minister Swaraj has made it clear that India would continue to engage with dialogue through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution. We consider this attitude towards peaceful resolution important."

Hiramatsu made the statement just a month before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India.

"We understand that the area is disputed between China and Bhutan, and that both countries recognize the existence of a dispute"the Japanese Ambassador said.

Hiramatsu spoke in favour of peaceful means to resolve the dispute. "What is important in disputed areas is that all parties involved do not resort to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, and resolve the dispute in a peaceful manner."

The Ambassador even said Japan has been watching the developments in Doklam closely.

The ongoing military standoff  has heightened tension at the Bhutan-India-China tri-junction in Doklam, a disputed territory claimed by both Bhutan and China, where the Indian Army personnel have reached to stop China from building a road.

China has accused India of trespassing into its territory and demanded withdrawal of troops leading to a prolonged standoff.

While India and Bhutan say the land belongs to the tiny Himalayan kingdom and that the Indian troops are there at the request of Bhutan, China has warned that it will not accept any dialogue till Indian soldiers pull out from Doklam.