China's Defence Ministry on Thursday said that its military values its relations with the Indian counterpart. It asserts that the 20 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks have helped ease tensions amidst the eastern Ladakh standoff.
Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in confrontation for over three years at certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides have completed a disengagement from several areas following diplomatic and military talks. India has maintained that ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.
Border stable
The current situation at the India-China border remains generally stable, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defence, told a press conference here answering a question on the prolonged standoff in eastern Ladakh.
The two sides have maintained communications through diplomatic and military channels and have made steady progress in resolving the remaining issues in the Western sector, he said.
Referring to the 20 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks held so far to resolve the standoff, he said that the dialogue became an important platform for border control as it resulted in disengagement in four areas including the Galwan Valley, Pangong Lake and Hot Springs.
The Indian side is pressing for a resolution of lingering issues in Depsang and Demchok areas.
"China values the China-Indian military relationship. We hope the Indian side works with us to reach the same goal to build stronger strategic mutual trust, properly handle differences and safeguard peace and tranquillity along the borders”, Senior Col. Wu said.
The last round of the Corps Commander level talks was held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on November 9-10.
He, however, was non-committal about the next round of talks.
"As for the next core commanders meeting we will release the information in due course,” he said.
