The Chinese military on Tuesday said that Indian troops 'illegally' crossed the "disputed" border on December 9. The statement came on a day when Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin asserted that the situation along the border with India was "generally stable".
Soldiers of both the countries clashed in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9. Both sides suffered minor injuries in the skirmish.
ALSO READ | India-China Border Clash: Air Force Increases Sorties, Steps Up Surveillance Along Arunachal Border
Wenbin asserted that India and China were maintaining smooth communication on border-related issues through diplomatic and military channels.
However, Wang, did not provide details of the December 9 clash. “As far as we know, the current border situation between China and India is generally stable. As for the specific questions you mentioned, I suggest you refer to the competent authorities," Wang responded to a question on the clash.
Wang further said: We hope that the Indian side will work with us in the same direction and smoothly deliver the important common understanding reached by leaders of both sides. We also hope that India will act strictly in the spirit of relevant bilateral agreements signed by both sides and jointly preserve peace and tranquillity in the border areas."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said no Indian soldier had sustained severe injury or has been martyred in the latest stand-off with China in Arunachal Pradesh. "In this face-off, few soldiers on both sides suffered injuries. I'd like to tell this House that none of our soldiers died or suffered any serious injury. With timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers have retreated to their own location, Rajnath Singh said in Lok Sabha.
(With inputs from PTI and AFP.)