China should strictly respect the Line of Actual Control: MEA

The relationship between India and China has hit new lows in recent times over the border standoff.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava was quoted as saying by ANI both sides should focus on easing tensions in the friction areas by refraining from any actions that may lead to an escalation in the situation.

“The Chinese side should sincerely work with the Indian side for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas including Pangong Lake as well as de-escalation in border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols on the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas," he was quoted as saying by the news agency.

"We hope the Chinese side will strictly respect and observe the line of actual control and not make further attempts to unilaterally change status quo,” he said. 

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said China disregards bilateral agreements while speaking on the ongoing border standoff between the two Asian giants in Ladakh.

Addressing Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian Parliament, Singh said as quoted by the media, "I would like to assure Parliament that India will not step back from taking any harsh decision and that our forces are in a better position to retaliate."

Stating that Beijing attempts to occupy a large number of areas in Ladakh, the Defence Minister told the house, "China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximate 38,000 sq. kms in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

"In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in PoK to China.

"China also claims approximately 90,000 sq. kms. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese actions reflect a disregard of our various bilateral agreements."

In response to a question by former Defence Minister and senior Congress MP AK Anthony, who said the Indian soldiers were pushed back from traditional patrolling points, Singh said no force on earth can stop the Indian Army from patrolling.

Addressing Parliament's lower house Lok Sabha earlier this week, Singh had said China through its violent actions since April-May had violated all bilateral agreements to maintain peace at the border.

India and China have been engaged into border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh since early May.

In a deadly clash in 40 years, at least 20 Indian personnel were martyred at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Jun 15 night.

As per unconfirmed reports, at least 40 Chinese soldiers were killed but the Asian country did not disclose any figure in terms of casualties on its side.