Kolkata, January 10: Around 800 to 900 troops of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are still positioned short of the Doklam plateau, almost three months after the stand-off between Indian and Chinese armies, India Today quoted a source. Doklam, where the situation remained tense last year for 73-days is a territory claimed by both China and Bhutan.
According to a report, despite winter and chilling weather, the PLA troops are positioned in Chinese territory. Earlier, the PLA had positioned around 1,300 troops, but the numbers have “decreased” in last few weeks.
The report further states that at least 250-300 Chinese PLA soldiers have moved back Yadong, a garrison town of the PLA located around 12 km from the disputed site.
The troops are living in prefabricated structures that were built during the Doklam stand-off. India or Bhutan can do little as they are in the Chinese territory.
It is quite noteworthy that before the Doklam stand-off, Chinese troops never held positions or camp-out in winter.
“The Chinese are not known to hold ground, they generally withdraw. But this time around they have decided to stay back,” the report said.
On Monday, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that China has reduced its troops in Arunachal Pradesh. A top Chinese official today claimed that Doklam is now an old chapter.
Consul General of People’s Republic of China Ma Zhanwu said, “Regarding Doklam, I think it is an old page, we are hoping to work together with India to turn a new page of further growth and development of the bilateral relationship including the field of economy and trade.”
The Consulate General also reiterated China’s support to Pakistan. He, however, maintained Beijing’s good relations with Islamabad were similar to its friendly relations with many other countries, including India.
“It is simplistic to say that China is supporting Pakistan. I would say that China has a good relationship with Pakistan as we do with many other countries, including India. Right now, we have a good relationship with India,” he said.
The Doklam stand-off started in the second week of June and ended on August 28. After 73-days of a tense situation, both India and China decided to withdraw their troops and hectic back-room negotiations, which started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative in Hamburg during the G-20 summit.
China adhered to the agreement and pulled its troop from the disputed area, but troops continue to be “positioned short of the plateau in their territory,” sources said.