WEB DESK
China on Thursday made an oblique reference to the 1962 war, saying the Indian Army should learn from “historical lessons”. The statement is being seen as sharpest since the border standoff with India over the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction.
The Chinese military and foreign ministry came down heavily on what they described as India’s attempt at “trespassing” on the Chinese border and asked Delhi to “withdraw troops to the Indian side of the boundary”.
China’s People’s Liberation Army spokesman Col Wu Qian attacked Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat for his recent remark that the “Army is fully prepared for a two-and-a-half-front war (a reference to China, Pakistan and internal security).” “Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible,” Col Wu said when asked about General Rawat’s remark. “We hope the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop clamouring for war,” he added.
The current stand-off centres on the Doklam plateau, Bhutanese territory that’s claimed by China. China is trying to build a road from Doklam to Doka La — the tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China.
On Wednesday, China alleged that Indian troops had crossed the boundary and stopped road construction work. Despite the People Liberation Army’s strong remarks, the Chinese foreign ministry indicated its willingness to resolve the dispute through dialogue.