Border clash: India alleges China tried to change territorial status quo

New Delhi/Beijing, Dec 13 (EFE).- China said Tuesday that the border situation with India was “generally stable,” after New Delhi alleged Chinese forces attempted to enter Indian territory in the eastern Himalayas last week, resulting in a military skirmish and wounded soldiers on both sides.

“The border situation between China and India is generally stable,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters.

In New Delhi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said Indian troops prevented Chinese soldiers from disrupting the status quo on the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border between the two neighbors, in the Yangtse area of the Tawang sector.

The latest border clash, the first since 2020 between the two armies, occurred on Friday in the Tawang sector of India’s northeastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, the disputed region claimed by Beijing that borders China’s south.

“The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner,” Singh told the Indian parliament.

“The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts,” he said, referring to the People’s Liberation Army.

The minister said the scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides.

“There are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side,” he said.

Senior military commanders from the two sides met on Sunday “to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms,” Singh said.

“The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border.”

The minister said the issue had also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels.

“I would like to assure this house that our Forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it.”

Indian opposition lawmakers protested in the House, seeking a debate over the border clash.

The Chinese foreign ministry urged India to “commit to a middle ground with China and consciously implement the consensus previously reached by the leaders of both countries.”

Wang said India must “adhere to the spirit of the agreements signed” by the two parties, as well as “jointly safeguard the bilateral relationship.”

Relations between India and China have severely deteriorated following a border clash in the Himalayan Galwan Valley in June 2020.

It was the worst clash in 45 years between the nuclear-armed neighbors, in which at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed and 76 injured.

Beijing acknowledged that four PLA troops died and one received wounds.

The two nations sent troops to the LAC, triggering military tension in the region before beginning to withdraw troops amid accusations of new military actions and violations in the disputed territory.

New Delhi and Beijing have since tried to resolve the crisis diplomatically.