China repeats claims on territory

A day after it denied reports that China had changed the ‘status quo’ at Doklam, the government on Friday appeared to shift its stand slightly, saying it had “used mechanisms” to “resolve misunderstandings” with China.

The comments came even as China repeated its old claims on controlling all of Doklam, and accused India again of “illegal transgressions” there last year.

“We are, of course, keeping a constant vigil on the developments [which have a bearing] on India’s security and taking all necessary steps to safeguard it,” said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

“The two sides do have, and have used established mechanisms to resolve any misunderstandings,” he added, in what appeared to be the first admission in recent times by the government that it has raised the issue of infrastructure construction with Chinese authorities.

However, the MEA would not comment on which mechanisms had been “used”, and when, including whether it was a diplomatic mechanism or a military mechanism on the ground at the Doklam outpost where troops had faced off last year.

On Thursday, Army Chief General Rawat had said that any Chinese infrastructure in the standoff area was “temporary” in nature.

He was responding to photographs published by a TV channel and a news website that had appeared to show heavy infrastructure including helipads, bunkers and a base in North Doklam, not far from the standoff site.

The photographs, and seemingly ambiguous statements from the government have invited criticism from the Opposition, with the Congress demanding more clarity on the agreement after the 73-day standoff over Chinese road construction on land claimed by Bhutan ended in August last year.

Since then, reports have regularly pointed to a surge in Chinese troops as well as heavy equipment and construction activity not far from the standoff point, but the MEA has maintained that there has been no change to the “status quo.”

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said PLA troops were entitled to build infrastructure at Doklam, but declined to comment on the photographs.

“I don’t know who offers such kind of photos. I don’t know the detailed information,” Mr. Lu said.

He said “Donglang” Doklam was Chinese sovereign territory, which he claimed had “always belonged to China and is always under China’s effective jurisdiction.” However, parts of Doklam under Chinese control are claimed by Bhutan, which had led India to send in its troops to the standoff with the PLA in June last year.

In fresh comments that could spark another war of words between New Delhi and Beijing, Mr. Lu once again repeated China’s claim that Indian troops had “illegally transgressed” into Doklam.

“We hope the Indian side learns lessons and avoids such incidents in future,” he added.

The MEA spokesperson declined to react to the statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and said it would be “inappropriate” to comment on remarks by General Rawat as well.