China-India border row: New Delhi accuses Beijing of illegal construction in disputed border area
- India objected to China’s construction of a second bridge across disputed Pangong Lake, an area it said has been under ‘illegal occupation’ by China
- India’s challenge comes amid a 2-year-old stand-off involving thousands of soldiers from the countries that has sometimes led to deadly clashes in the region
India on Friday objected to China’s construction of a second bridge across disputed Pangong Lake, an area it said has been under the “illegal occupation” of China since the 1960s.
India’s challenge comes amid a two-year-old stand-off involving thousands of soldiers from the two countries that has sometimes led to deadly clashes in eastern Ladakh.
“We have never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities,” said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of India’s External Affairs Ministry.
There was no immediate comment from China.
The development is expected to impact efforts by army commanders from the two countries who have been discussing steps to disengage troops from key areas along the disputed border.