new Delhi: The standoff between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues with the latest round of Corps Commander-level talks failing to make any breakthrough on the issue of de-escalation and the strategically important Depsang Plains.
During the 17th round of Corps Commander-level talks – which took place after a gap of five months and lasted for nearly 10 hours on Tuesday – both sides agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the western sector.
The meeting was held days after Chinese troops crowd With Indian soldiers in the tense Yangtse region of Arunachal Pradesh on 9 December.
“Building on the progress made since the last meeting on 17 July 2022, both sides exchanged views on the resolution of related issues along the LAC in the western sector in an open and constructive manner.
They had a candid and in-depth discussion in line with the guidance provided by the state leaders to work for early resolution of the remaining issues, which would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the western sector. and enables progress in bilateral relations,” said a joint statement issued by the two countries.
It added that the two sides agreed to remain in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and to “find a mutually acceptable solution” to the remaining issues at the earliest.
Read also: How Arunachal is front and center in Modi government’s massive border infra push to counter China
Are LAC dynamics the new status quo?
Elaborating on the outcome of the meeting, the sources said that there was no immediate outcome on any of the issues raised by the Indian side, though the talks were held in a very constructive manner.
Sources said that all the friction points in eastern Ladakh where there has been a disengagement from where tensions took place in May 2020, remain the major issue of de-escalation.
This is because additional men and equipment sent by the Chinese have remained close to the LAC.
“The Chinese have so far been refusing to withdraw troops to their pre-May 2020 positions. At the same time, he has also refused to step down. Depsang Maidan And will continue to object to some Indian construction in Demchok.”
Another set of sources pointed out that going back to the status quo ante before May 2020 was a key demand, but China is unlikely to do so as it has favored setting up new surface-to-air missile sites. infrastructure has been built. , roads, bridges, heliports and hardened shelters and barracks.
Similarly, it would be difficult for India to back down as there is a huge trust deficit when it comes to China, sources said.
The current deployment is also giving the Chinese an opportunity to expose their troops to real combat scenarios, he said.
as Reported Earlier, amid tensions with India and the US over the South China Sea and Taiwan, Chinese troops are experiencing “nervous, anxious and fearful feelings” as they carry out unprecedented military activities.
A few years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his military was “suffering frompeace disease”, Which is basically the lack of combat experience.
Hence, the sources said that the new deployment strategy could be a preparatory process for the Chinese troops.