New Delhi, Oct 21 (UNI) The Indian Army on Wednesday returned a Chinese soldier who was apprehended in Demchok sector of Eastern Ladakh.

He was handed over to the Chinese authorities at Chushul – Moldo meeting point.

The handing over of the China’s People Liberation Army (PLA) soldier took place amid simmering border tension and standoff between troops of the two countries in Eastern Ladakh.

The Chinese soldier, identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long, had strayed across the LAC and was taken into Indian custody on Monday.

He was provided medical assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect him from extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions.

Chinese authorities had requested the Indian Army to return the missing soldier.

According to Chinese authorities, he entered into Indian territory in search of yak.

Meanwhile, the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China is likely to take place this week with a focus on carrying forward their discussions on the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh as the region enters the harsh winter season, government sources said.

“The eighth round of military talks are likely to take place this week. The date is yet to be finalised," said a source.

On October 12, the two sides had met on for the seventh round of talks, though there was no breakthrough on the disengagement of troops from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh.

UNI ASH SB 1112