Sikkim Standoff Different From Other Border Disputes: China

China has pointed out many times that the Indian border troops “illegally trespassed” the border line.

(Photo: Lijumol Joseph/The Quint)

China on Wednesday claimed that the Sikkim standoff is "different" from the previous border frictions along the Line of Actual Control as it has taken place at a "defined section" of the boundary.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, while reacting to Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar's remarks that the two countries will be able to handle the Sikkim standoff as they have dealt with such border differences in the past, said China has pointed out many times that the Indian border troops "illegally trespassed" a mutually recognised border line.

"This is different from the frictions that happened in the undefined sections of the border region," Geng told reporters in Beijing.

Also Read: Roads in Doklam Will Change Security ‘Status Quo’: India to China

Reacting to Geng's remarks, official sources in New Delhi said the principles on which the differences between the two countries on the border issues and tri-junctions are addressed are mutually agreed upon and well established.

Geng’s remarks come amid a standoff between the militaries of India and China in the Doklam area in the Sikkim sector, where Indian troops stopped road construction by Chinese soldiers.

The Sikkim section has a special historical background and this is the only defined boundary between China and India, Geng said.

This is totally different from the undefined boundary in the east, the middle and the western part. According to the 1890 convention, the Sikkim section has been defined and both China and India have recognised this.

Geng Shuang, Spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Ministry

“This convention is effective for both the countries. And we once again require India to withdraw the border troops to the Indian side of the boundary and properly settle this dispute at an early date,” he added.

Also Read: ‘Ghost of Tibet’ Back to Haunt India as China’s Sikkim Incursion

‘Willing to Play Constructive Role’

China also said that it was willing to play a "constructive role" in improving relations between India and Pakistan, especially after the increased hostility along the LoC, saying the situation in Kashmir has attracted "international" attention.

Beijing has previously refrained from commenting on the situation in Kashmir, saying the dispute was a "leftover from history" and should be resolved by India and Pakistan.

The conflict occurred near the Line of Control of Kashmir. This will not only harm the peace and stability of the two countries, but also the peace and tranquillity of the entire region.

Geng Shuang

The rare Chinese comments on the Kashmir issue also come two days after a Chinese analyst wrote in the state-run Global Times that a "third country's" Army could enter Kashmir at Pakistan's request, using the "logic" the Indian Army used to stop the Chinese military from constructing the road in Doklam area.

Also Read: China’s Insecurity Leads to India’s NSG Bid Being Blocked Again