Foreign Minister Wang Yi says stand-off ended only after Indian forces pulled back

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesay said the 73-day stand-off between India and China in Doklam ended after India withdrew its troops, and hoped New Delhi will “learn lessons” (from the stand-off) and prevent such incidents in future.

Both countries withdrew their troops just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China to attend the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit from September 3 to 5.

“Face-off due to Indian trespassing”

“The border face-off caused by Indian trespassing has been settled,” Mr. Wang told the media in Beijing, while answering a question from the Chinese media reports that India withdrew its troops to provide a face-saver for China after reaching a settlement.

''Media may have carried speculation and reports but as per the 'authoritative information' with the Chinese government, Indian troops have withdrawn from the area in the afternoon of August 28, which 'brought the face-off to an end',” he said.

“That is a basic fact and of course, we hope that the Indian side will learn lessons from this incident and prevent similar things from happening again,” he said.

MEA mum on remarks

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not immediately comment on the Chinese Minister’s remarks.

Troops of the two countries had been lin a stand-off isince June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the strategically key region, a disputed area between China and Bhutan.

The construction of the road could give China a major military advantage over India at the Bhutan-China-India tri-junction.

“Problems are but natural”

Mr. Wang, who was addressing a press conference on the BRICS summit to be held in Xiamen city next week, said:

“India and China are two big countries. It is natural that there are some problems in our interactions.

“What is important is that we put these differences at appropriate place and under the principle of mutual respect and following the consensus of our leaders, we need to handle and manage them properly.

“In the meantime, with our engagement through different mechanisms we need to work out a solution in the long run.”

Mr. Wang evaded a direct reply to whether there will be a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

“There will be bilateral meetings and interactions between the participating leaders which is natural practice,” he said.

India on Tuesday announced that Mr. Modi will take part in the summit.

“On the sidelines of the BRICS meeting, Xi will also have meetings with some leaders upon their request. Once relevant arrangements are decided, we will let you know. The first thing is whether the leaders will have the willingness to meet. If there is willingness of the leaders participating in the meeting, as a host, the Chinese side will try to make it possible if our schedule programme permits,” Mr. Wang said.

Ironing out the wrinkles

“We hope through the efforts of both sides we will maintain the healthy and stable momentum of growth for China-India relations” in the interest of Chinese and Indian people as well as meeting the aspirations of the international community and neighbouring countries.

Mr. Wang said there was huge potential and space for greater cooperation between China and India and such cooperation served the interest of both countries.

“We hope China and India will join hands and work together for rejuvenation of Asia and for the development of our region and contribute our share to greater development,” he said.