China-India border dispute: troops saw ‘minor’ clash amid ninth round of talks to resolve row
- The Indian Army downplayed a face-off that took place last week in Sikkim, near Tibet, while Indian media reports claimed a brawl left troops from both sides injured
- Beijing has yet to comment, but Global Times editor Hu Xijin said on Twitter that the reports were ‘fake news’
In a brief statement with few details, the army downplayed the intensity of the face-off that took place on Wednesday at the Naku La area in the northeastern region of Sikkim. Naku La connects Sikkim to China’s Tibet autonomous region.
“[The minor face-off] was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols,” it added.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily briefing in Beijing on Monday he had “no information to offer” on the reports of clashes.
“I would like to stress, though, that China’s border troops are committed to upholding peace and tranquillity along the border with India,” Zhao said. “We urge the Indian side to work in the same direction with us and refrain from actions that might escalate or complicate the situation along the border.”
Zhao confirmed the conclusion of the latest round of talks.