Responding on the recent clash in Tawang to Chinese media, Chinese authorities have reportedly said the clash occurred when Indian troops illegally crossed the border.
The South China Morning Post quoted Long Shaohua, a spokesman from the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) Western Theatre Command saying that the clash occurred during regular border patrol on Friday and when Indian troops intercepted Chinese personnel “crossing the border illegally.”
“Our troops’ response is professional, firm and standard, which has helped to stabilise the situation,” the publication quoted Long saying. He added that both sides have been under disengagement since then.
Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry said that situation at the border is generally stable. “The two sides have been maintaining smooth communication on border-related issues through diplomatic and military channels,” SCMP quoted Wenbin saying.
Addressing the Indian Parliament, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the issue has been taken up through diplomatic channels and China “was warned against such actions.” Singh accused China's PLA troops “tried to unilaterally change the status quo” in Yangste area of the Tawang sector.
China claims approximately 90,000 sq.km of Arunachal Pradesh belongs to South Tibet.
