Indian side promised to return captured soldier: Chinese Foreign Ministry 

During a routine briefing on Tuesday, China responded to various questions, including the issue of a Chinese soldier apprehended by the Indian Army near Demchok in Ladakh.

Indian Army on Monday apprehended a Chinese Army soldier near Demchok area of Ladakh. According to initial reports, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldier, identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long, was carrying civil and military documents when he was captured in Ladakh by the Indian Army.

The Chinese PLA on the border established contact with the Indian side regarding the captured soldier on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, “The Indian side promised support and promised to return the soldier in time after medical checks. We hope the Indian side will stick to their commitment and return the soldier at an early date.”

“The spokesperson of China’s Western Theatre Command has already briefed the situation. On the evening of October 18, one of our soldiers was helping local herdsmen to find yaks and went missing in the process. Relevant departments of the Chinese side first contacted the Indian side to update about the relevant situation and ask for assistance,” Zhao Lijian added.

Meanwhile, both sides are working towards the next round of military talk to ease the border tension. It is likely to take place this week.

“China and India will work together to implement the consensus of the 7th round of senior commanders’ talks, and work together to ensure peace and tranquillity along the border areas,” said Lijian.

On the issue of Australia being invited by India to join the Malabar naval exercise, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in a veiled warning, said that it should not destabilise the region.

“We have taken note of these developments. We have always believed that military cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability,” he said.

India, in its statement inviting Australia, had said, “As India seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy. This year, the exercise has been planned on a non-contact – at sea format. The exercise will strengthen the coordination between the Navies of the participating countries.”

On reports that Taiwan and India were initiating formal talks on trade, the Chinese official gave a sharp response.

Reiterating Beijing’s “One-China” policy, Zhao Lijian said, “There is only One-China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. One-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community, including India. It is also the political basis for China to develop ties with other countries.”

Adding further, he said, “So, we firmly oppose any official exchanges between countries having diplomatic ties with China and Taiwan or signing any official documents. The Indian side should remain committed to One-China principle and approach Taiwan-related issues prudently and properly.”

For now, there are just reports on trade talks between India and Taiwan but no confirmation from any side.



Source link

Leave a comment