NEW DELHI: While claiming yet again that India was responsible for the LAC strife, China on Thursday called upon India to take “concrete action” to ease the border situation. This was even as the MEA again underlined the need for early disengagement in the remaining areas in eastern Ladakh and said this would lead to de-escalation and “hopefully lead to restoration of peace and tranquillity and provide conditions for our overall bilateral relationship”.
Asked if China could consider India’s position that the pre-April 2020 status quo be restored, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that was something for the two sides to discuss during talks.
“The ins and outs of the China-India border issue are very clear. The responsibility does not rest with China. It is hoped that India will meet with China halfway, earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strictly abide by the agreements signed by the two sides, and take concrete actions to further ease the border situation,” Zhao said.
While refusing to confirm the date for the 11th round of military talks, the Chinese foreign ministry also denied that there had been a delay in holding dialogue for further disengagement in eastern Ladakh.
Zhao said the two countries were talking about holding the next round of military talks. It was reported on Wednesday that the talks were going to be held on Friday. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday recalled that the two countries had agreed in March to hold the 11th round of talks between military commanders.