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Chinese military: India, China making ‘Great Progress’ in implementing border disengagement agreement

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The Indian and Chinese militaries have made significant strides in implementing agreements related to disengagement and coordinated patrolling along their border, according to a statement from a Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson on Thursday.

This progress follows the successful disengagement of troops at Depsang and Demchok in late October, as well as the resumption of coordinated patrolling in these areas. Sources confirmed that only one patrol will be sent from each side in these areas as part of the renewed efforts. Discussions are continuing at both military and diplomatic levels to address other disengaged areas and the establishment of mutually agreed buffer zones.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Defence, expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts. Speaking at a monthly media briefing in Beijing, Wu referred to the situation as a “harmonious dance” between the Indian elephant and the Chinese dragon, emphasizing the importance of both nations working together.

Wu also commented on the recent meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun, which took place during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Laos. Wu described the meeting as “positive and constructive.”

During the meeting, Singh reflected on the 2020 border clashes and called for measures to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring peace and stability along the India-China border. Both ministers reiterated their commitment to implementing the consensus reached by their leaders and strengthening bilateral military relations.

Wu stressed the need for both sides to strictly adhere to the recent agreements aimed at de-escalating tensions, reducing friction, and building mutual trust. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing military-to-military exchanges to foster further progress in relations between the two countries.

The 2020 standoff had resulted in confrontations at several points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, with both sides deploying troops, equipment, and machinery into disputed areas. The recent disengagement at Depsang and Demchok marks the resolution of the last two remaining friction points.

On November 4, the Indian Army announced it had successfully patrolled Patrolling Point (PP) 10 in Depsang, followed by the resumption of patrols by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Discussions are ongoing regarding other standoff points along the 832-km LAC, with disengagement already completed at five other friction points that emerged after the clashes at Finger Four on the north bank of Pangong Tso in May 2020.

While the disengagement agreements cover troop positions and buffer zones in areas of recent disengagement, the patrolling limits and other details remain outside the scope of these agreements. The disengagement process, which was formalized between the two countries’ Corps Commanders on October 21, was followed by the dismantling of temporary structures, restoring troop positions to those held in April 2020.

The terrain in Depsang is rocky and rugged, with several patrolling points, while the Demchok area is known for its grazing grounds and proximity to a nullah, making these locations key for ongoing discussions and agreements between the two militaries.

The overall goal remains to maintain peace and stability along the border, ensuring a reduction in tensions and fostering a cooperative environment between India and China.

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