TIA NEWS
India today said it was deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions in Doklam Area and has conveyed to the Chinese side that such construction will significantly change the status quo with serious security implications for it.
In a press statement, External Affairs Ministry said, the Indian side has stressed on the agreement reached between the two governments in 2012 that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries. It said, any attempt to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of the understanding.
On the boundary in the Sikkim sector, the MEA said, India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the basis of the alignment. It further discussions regarding finalization of the boundary have been taking place under the Special Representatives framework. India said, all parties concerned must display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between the two countries through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides.
India has consistently taken a positive approach to the settlement of its own boundary with China, along with the associated issue of the tri-junctions. India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas and it has not come easily. India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue.
On 16th of this month, a People’s Liberation Army, PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. They were dissuaded by Bhutan Army patrol. The Ambassador of Bhutan publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through their Embassy in New Delhi on 20th of this month.
Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan has also issued a statement emphasizing that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries. They have urged a return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017.