India on Wednesday said it was engaged with China to resolve the border row while reacting to US President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between the two countries to settle the festering dispute.

"We are engaged with the Chinese side to peacefully resolve it," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, replying to a question at an online media briefing.

Trump on Wednesday offered to arbitrate the raging border dispute between India and China, adding he was willing to ease the tensions.

Trump said this in an early morning tweet that came amid the continuing standoff between the militaries of the two neighbours.

"We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!" Trump posted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-offers-to-mediate-or-arbitrate-between-india-and-china-301344">Also read | Trump offers to 'mediate or arbitrate' between India and China</a>

The nearly 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de-facto border between India and China.

Several areas along the LAC in Ladakh and North Sikkim have witnessed major military build-up by both the Indian and Chinese armies recently.

But on Wednesday, China took an apparently conciliatory tone by saying that the situation at the border with India is "overall stable and controllable," and both the countries have proper mechanisms and communication channels to resolve the issues through a dialogue and consultation.

The Ministry of External Affairs then said all Indian activities were carried out on its side of the border, asserting that India has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management.

India on Wednesday said it was engaged with China to resolve the border row while reacting to US President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between the two countries to settle the festering dispute.

India on Wednesday said it was engaged with China to resolve the border row while reacting to US President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between the two countries to settle the festering dispute. "We are engaged with the Chinese side to peacefully resolve it," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, replying to a question at an online media briefing. Trump on Wednesday offered to arbitrate the raging border dispute between India and China, adding he was willing to ease the tensions. Trump said this in an early morning tweet that came amid the continuing standoff between the militaries of the two neighbours. "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!" Trump posted. Also read | Trump offers to 'mediate or arbitrate' between India and China The nearly 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de-facto border between India and China. Several areas along the LAC in Ladakh and North Sikkim have witnessed major military build-up by both the Indian and Chinese armies recently. But on Wednesday, China took an apparently conciliatory tone by saying that the situation at the border with India is "overall stable and controllable," and both the countries have proper mechanisms and communication channels to resolve the issues through a dialogue and consultation. The Ministry of External Affairs then said all Indian activities were carried out on its side of the border, asserting that India has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management.

Engaged with China to resolve border issue peacefully: India on Trump's offer to mediate

China on Wednesday took an apparently conciliatory tone towards its standoff against India by saying that the situation at the border was "overall stable and controllable."

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said both China and India have proper mechanisms and communication channels to resolve the issues through dialogue and consultations.

In New Delhi, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said China and India should never let their differences shadow the overall bilateral ties and must enhance mutual trust.

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Without referring to the military tense military standoff, Sun said both the sides should resolve their differences through communication and adhere to the basic premise that they pose no threat to each other.

"We should correctly view our differences and never let them shadow the overall situation of bilateral cooperation. At the same time, we should gradually seek understanding through communication and constantly resolve differences," Sun said, adding, "elephant and dragon can dance together."

To this end, one is left wondering what made China change its tonality from aggressive to a milder version.

There can be five reasons -- first is the coronavirus itself, which is said to have originated in China's Wuhan.

Second is the investigation several countries have asked for into the way China handled the outbreak. Third is the onslaught by the US. Fourth is its own struggle with Hong Kong and its new security law.

Fifth is of course, the growing support for Taiwan.

Taking these into consideration, while China's newly acquired conciliatory tone does look like a surprise, what is now required is deciphering the motive.

These can again be multifold -- firstly, there is definitely a shift in China's approach - a backhand diplomacy is at work.

Second, China wants to safeguard its trade relationship with India despite the situation at the border.

What we suggest is -- don't go by their words. Look at their actions. The crisis will only de-escalate when the Chines troops move back.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered to "mediate or arbitrate" the raging border dispute between India and China, saying he was "ready, willing and able" to ease the tensions, amid the continuing standoff between the armies of the two Asian giants.

Trump previously offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, a proposal rejected by New Delhi which maintains that there is no role for any third party in bilateral issues.

"We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!" Trump said in a predawn tweet.

China on Wednesday took an apparently conciliatory tone towards its standoff against India by saying that the situation at the border was "overall stable and controllable.

China on Wednesday took an apparently conciliatory tone towards its standoff against India by saying that the situation at the border was "overall stable and controllable." In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said both China and India have proper mechanisms and communication channels to resolve the issues through dialogue and consultations. In New Delhi, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said China and India should never let their differences shadow the overall bilateral ties and must enhance mutual trust. Without referring to the military tense military standoff, Sun said both the sides should resolve their differences through communication and adhere to the basic premise that they pose no threat to each other. "We should correctly view our differences and never let them shadow the overall situation of bilateral cooperation. At the same time, we should gradually seek understanding through communication and constantly resolve differences," Sun said, adding, "elephant and dragon can dance together." To this end, one is left wondering what made China change its tonality from aggressive to a milder version. There can be five reasons -- first is the coronavirus itself, which is said to have originated in China's Wuhan. Second is the investigation several countries have asked for into the way China handled the outbreak. Third is the onslaught by the US. Fourth is its own struggle with Hong Kong and its new security law. Fifth is of course, the growing support for Taiwan. Taking these into consideration, while China's newly acquired conciliatory tone does look like a surprise, what is now required is deciphering the motive. These can again be multifold -- firstly, there is definitely a shift in China's approach - a backhand diplomacy is at work. Second, China wants to safeguard its trade relationship with India despite the situation at the border. What we suggest is -- don't go by their words. Look at their actions. The crisis will only de-escalate when the Chines troops move back. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered to "mediate or arbitrate" the raging border dispute between India and China, saying he was "ready, willing and able" to ease the tensions, amid the continuing standoff between the armies of the two Asian giants. Trump previously offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, a proposal rejected by New Delhi which maintains that there is no role for any third party in bilateral issues. "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!" Trump said in a predawn tweet.

Decoding China's newly acquired conciliatory tone towards standoff with India

Why is China provoking India at the border during a pandemic? Reports suggest that India's infrastructure build up at the border has rattled the PLA. #Gravitas #ChinaIndia #ChinaIndiaFaceoff

Gravitas: The intensifying India-China border face off decoded

Indian and Chinese armies rushed in additional troops in areas around Pangong Tso lake and Galwan Valley in Ladakh

Tensions rise between India and China near Ladakh's Pangong Tso Lake

The rift between Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Control has been on the rise. In eastern Ladakh close to 250 Indian and Chinese are engaged in a tense standoff along the Pangong TSO and Galwan valley.

India-China stand-off at Pangong TSO lake | Indian Army increases troop development

Tensions at the India - China border are escalating. A new report claims that China has tripled its boats in India’s Pangong Tso Lake. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Tensions escalate at India - China border

At least 15 to 20 Indian soldiers were involved in hand-to-hand fighting at a high altitude picket in north Sikkim at an altitude of more than 16,000 feet yesterday.

India-China face-off at Naku-La Pass defused after local level talks

On Saturday, around 150 soldiers on both sides were involved in an aggressive confrontation that left four Indian soldiers and seven Chinese soldiers injured

Breaking News: Stand-off between India and China at Naku La Pass

India is developing a land pool that is almost double the size of Luxembourg. New Delhi is promising easy access to land for companies leaving China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about India's plans to lure businesses away from China.

Gravitas: How India is planning to attract firms from China

India has decided to stop using Chinese testing kits. Spain wants a refund for a second batch of faulty coronavirus test kits purchased from a Chinese company.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Growing demand to 'Make China Pay'

China today said it is in touch with India to discuss a way to resolve the political turmoil gripping the Maldives and underlined that Beijing doesn&#39;t want the issue to become another &quot;flashpoint&quot;.

While China officially continues to maintain that there should not be any external interference specially in the light of reports of India&#39;s special forces ready for deployment, Beijing is also in touch with New Delhi to resolve the crisis, Chinese official sources said.

China doesn&#39;t want Maldives to become another &quot;flash point&quot;, the sources told PTI here today.

The stand-off between India and China in the Dokalam area and Beijing&#39;s opposition to declaring Pakistan-based Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN had been major irritants in bilateral ties in the past.

Answering a spate of questions on the Maldives, including today&#39;s telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, in which the situation in the Maldives figured prominently, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the international community should respect the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives. 
 
Also read -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-issue-is-simple-but-india-thinks-its-complicated-china-daily-32307">Maldives issue is simple but India thinks it&#39;s complicated: China daily</a>

&quot;The current situation in the Maldives is its internal affairs. It should be properly resolved through dialogue and consultations by all relevant parties,&quot; he said.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen sent his Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed to China but India said it did not find the dates &quot;suitable&quot; for the visit of Maldives&#39; foreign minister as special envoy to New Delhi.

The UN Security Council too met to discuss the Maldives situation. Ahead of the meeting, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca reported to have informed the top UN body that while there were no reports of violent clashes, &quot;the situation in the Maldives is tense and may deteriorate even further&quot;.

Geng, while replying to a question on reports that Indian Special Forces were ready for deployment in the Maldives to evacuate Indians, said &quot;non-interference in other countries is an important principle of international relations&quot;.

&quot;The international community should respect the will of the Maldives and play a constructive role in the stability and development of Maldives instead of doing the opposite,&quot; he said.

He said Saeed in his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has introduced the current situation in the Maldives and said that the government is committed to uphold the rule of law and social order independently resolving the current issue and achieving national stability and development.

&quot;The Maldives has the ability to protect the security of the Chinese personnel and the institutions,&quot; Saeed told Wang.

For his part, Wang said China is closely following the situation in the Maldives and believe that the government and people there have the ability to properly resolve the current issue and restore the normal order in the country in accordance with law, Geng said.

&quot;China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives. This is also an important principle enshrined by UN charter. We support the Maldives government to properly resolve issues through dialogue and consultations with relevant parties and uphold independence, sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests of Maldives,&quot; Wang told Saeed according to Geng.

&quot;China has offered self-less assistance to Maldives&quot; for its social development, Wang said adding that the cooperation benefits all the peoples in Maldives.

However, it is not yet clear what is the takeaway from Saeed&#39;s China visit.

Asked how the Maldives can resolve the problem independently and unilaterally when top judges and leaders have been locked up by Yameen government, Geng retorted saying that &quot;I think you should raise this question to Maldives government. How will they resolve their internal affairs (problems) you should ask them&quot;.

&quot;I want to emphasise that China believes that the Maldives and people have the wisdom and capability to properly resolve the current issue faced them,&quot; he said.

To another question whether Saeed sought China&#39;s help to tide over the crisis, Geng said.

&quot;I can tell you that diplomatic channels between the two countries is smooth. China and the Maldives maintain normal and friendly exchanges,&quot; he said.

China views the Maldives as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean as it has already acquired Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

China today said it is in touch with India to discuss a way to resolve the political turmoil gripping the Maldives

China today said it is in touch with India to discuss a way to resolve the political turmoil gripping the Maldives and underlined that Beijing doesn't want the issue to become another "flashpoint". While China officially continues to maintain that there should not be any external interference specially in the light of reports of India's special forces ready for deployment, Beijing is also in touch with New Delhi to resolve the crisis, Chinese official sources said. China doesn't want Maldives to become another "flash point", the sources told PTI here today. The stand-off between India and China in the Dokalam area and Beijing's opposition to declaring Pakistan-based Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN had been major irritants in bilateral ties in the past. Answering a spate of questions on the Maldives, including today's telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, in which the situation in the Maldives figured prominently, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the international community should respect the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives. Also read - Maldives issue is simple but India thinks it's complicated: China daily "The current situation in the Maldives is its internal affairs. It should be properly resolved through dialogue and consultations by all relevant parties," he said. Maldives President Abdulla Yameen sent his Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed to China but India said it did not find the dates "suitable" for the visit of Maldives' foreign minister as special envoy to New Delhi. The UN Security Council too met to discuss the Maldives situation. Ahead of the meeting, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca reported to have informed the top UN body that while there were no reports of violent clashes, "the situation in the Maldives is tense and may deteriorate even further". Geng, while replying to a question on reports that Indian Special Forces were ready for deployment in the Maldives to evacuate Indians, said "non-interference in other countries is an important principle of international relations". "The international community should respect the will of the Maldives and play a constructive role in the stability and development of Maldives instead of doing the opposite," he said. He said Saeed in his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has introduced the current situation in the Maldives and said that the government is committed to uphold the rule of law and social order independently resolving the current issue and achieving national stability and development. "The Maldives has the ability to protect the security of the Chinese personnel and the institutions," Saeed told Wang. For his part, Wang said China is closely following the situation in the Maldives and believe that the government and people there have the ability to properly resolve the current issue and restore the normal order in the country in accordance with law, Geng said. "China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives. This is also an important principle enshrined by UN charter. We support the Maldives government to properly resolve issues through dialogue and consultations with relevant parties and uphold independence, sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests of Maldives," Wang told Saeed according to Geng. "China has offered self-less assistance to Maldives" for its social development, Wang said adding that the cooperation benefits all the peoples in Maldives. However, it is not yet clear what is the takeaway from Saeed's China visit. Asked how the Maldives can resolve the problem independently and unilaterally when top judges and leaders have been locked up by Yameen government, Geng retorted saying that "I think you should raise this question to Maldives government. How will they resolve their internal affairs (problems) you should ask them". "I want to emphasise that China believes that the Maldives and people have the wisdom and capability to properly resolve the current issue faced them," he said. To another question whether Saeed sought China's help to tide over the crisis, Geng said. "I can tell you that diplomatic channels between the two countries is smooth. China and the Maldives maintain normal and friendly exchanges," he said. China views the Maldives as key to its Maritime Silk Road project in the Indian Ocean as it has already acquired Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

Don't want Maldives to be another flashpoint in talks with India: China

China said on Tuesday that it had a good relationship not just with Pakistan but with India as well.

Consul General of China in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu said it was simplistic to say that China was supporting Pakistan and that China had a good relationship not just with Pakistan but with many other countries including India.

&quot;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,&quot; the China consul general said.

China is considered an ally of Pakistan and has backed the country on many issues against India including the designation of Masood Azhar a global terrorist by the United Nations.

Consul General of China in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu said China had a good relationship not just with Pakistan but with many other countries including India

China said on Tuesday that it had a good relationship not just with Pakistan but with India as well. Consul General of China in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu said it was simplistic to say that China was supporting Pakistan and that China had a good relationship not just with Pakistan but 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," the China consul general said. China is considered an ally of Pakistan and has backed the country on many issues against India including the designation of Masood Azhar a global terrorist by the United Nations.

Simplistic to say China backs Pakistan: China consul general

China on Friday warned Japan that any third party should not meddle in the disputes of territorial sovereignty in any form between Beijing and New Delhi since the boundary between China and India had &quot;not been totally delimited&quot; and disputes remained in the &quot;eastern section of the boundary.&quot;

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said both sides were negotiating to solve the disputes bilaterally.

&quot;You must be very clear that boundary of India China border area has not been totally delimited and we have disputes in the eastern section of the boundary. We are now trying to seek a solution through negotiation that is acceptable to both sides,&quot; Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

He was speaking in the context of Japan&#39;s recent announcement to invest in northeast India.

&quot;In such circumstances, we hope India and various parties should respect such aspects and any third party should not be involved in our efforts to solve disputes,&quot; she added.

About the India-Japan joint statement, Hua said, &quot;The statement mentioned resolving disputes through negotiation and dialogue. We know that resolving disputes by directly concerned parties to uphold freedom of navigation and over flight is China&#39;s position.

&quot;We hope that all parties can make concerted efforts to uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all countries in relevant waters under the international law and stay committed to settling the issues and disputes between them through dialogue and consultation,&quot; she added.

China&#39;s foreign ministry spokesperson, however, clarified that both India and Japan can play a constructive role for developing mutual trust and cooperation between regional countries and the peace, stability and development of the region.

&quot;I want to add that both Japan and India are important countries in Asia. We hope that the development of normal relations between Japan and India can play a constructive role for the mutual trust and cooperation between regional countries and the peace, stability and development of the region,&quot; she said.

During his two-day visit to India last week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the annual India-Japan Summit to take forward bilateral and strategic ties between the two countries.

&quot;I would like to state that that India-Japan partnership is special, strategic and global. India can become the factory of the world if both countries combine their efforts. We are committed to the policy of Make in India,&quot; Abe said.

On September 14, the Japanese PM had said that the Japan is committed to the policy of &#39;Make in India&#39;, even as he, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone for the proposed Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Network, known as the bullet train.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was speaking in the context of Japan's recent announcement to invest in northeast India

China on Friday warned Japan that any third party should not meddle in the disputes of territorial sovereignty in any form between Beijing and New Delhi since the boundary between China and India had "not been totally delimited" and disputes remained in the "eastern section of the boundary." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said both sides were negotiating to solve the disputes bilaterally. "You must be very clear that boundary of India China border area has not been totally delimited and we have disputes in the eastern section of the boundary. We are now trying to seek a solution through negotiation that is acceptable to both sides," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. He was speaking in the context of Japan's recent announcement to invest in northeast India. "In such circumstances, we hope India and various parties should respect such aspects and any third party should not be involved in our efforts to solve disputes," she added. About the India-Japan joint statement, Hua said, "The statement mentioned resolving disputes through negotiation and dialogue. We know that resolving disputes by directly concerned parties to uphold freedom of navigation and over flight is China's position. "We hope that all parties can make concerted efforts to uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all countries in relevant waters under the international law and stay committed to settling the issues and disputes between them through dialogue and consultation," she added. China's foreign ministry spokesperson, however, clarified that both India and Japan can play a constructive role for developing mutual trust and cooperation between regional countries and the peace, stability and development of the region. "I want to add that both Japan and India are important countries in Asia. We hope that the development of normal relations between Japan and India can play a constructive role for the mutual trust and cooperation between regional countries and the peace, stability and development of the region," she said. During his two-day visit to India last week, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the annual India-Japan Summit to take forward bilateral and strategic ties between the two countries. "I would like to state that that India-Japan partnership is special, strategic and global. India can become the factory of the world if both countries combine their efforts. We are committed to the policy of Make in India," Abe said. On September 14, the Japanese PM had said that the Japan is committed to the policy of 'Make in India', even as he, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone for the proposed Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Network, known as the bullet train.

Boundary disputes with India remain, no third party should intervene: China warns Japan

China on Wednesday asked India to &quot;learn lessons&quot; from the stand-off in Doklam and prevent such incidents in future. It also blamed &quot;Indian trespassing&quot; for the border face-off between the two countries.

The countries ended their standoff in Dokalam by withdrawing their troops from the area.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was on Wednesday asked to respond to media reports that India withdrew its troops to provide a face saver to China after reaching a settlement.

Wang Yi said the 73-day stand-off between India and China in the strategic disputed region near Sikkim ended after India withdrew its troops.

&quot;The border face off caused by Indian trespassing has been settled,&quot; he said, adding that as per the &quot;authoritative information&quot; with the Chinese government, Indian troops had withdrawn from the area on the afternoon of August 28, which &quot;brought the faceoff to an end&quot;.

&quot;That is a basic fact and of course, we hope that the Indian side will learn lessons from this incident and prevent similar things from happening again,&quot; he said.

Asked about the differences between the two countries, Wang said, &quot;India and China are two big countries. It is natural that there are some problems in our interactions&quot;.

&quot;What is important is that we put these differences at appropriate place and under the principle of mutual respect and following the consensus of our leaders, we need to handle and manage them properly,&quot; he said.

&quot;In the meantime, with our engagement through different mechanisms we need to work out a solution in the long run&quot;.

The Chinese foreign minister was addressing a press conference in Beijing on the BRICS summit to be held in Xiamen city next week

He evaded a direct reply on whether there will be meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping, saying instead that there will be bilateral meetings and interactions between the participating leaders which is natural practice.

The face-off in Dokalam was resolved days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s visit to China for the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit next week.

India&#39;s External Affairs Ministry did not immediately comment on the Chinese foreign minister&#39;s remarks.

Troops of both countries had involved in a standoff in Dokalam since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from constructing a road in the strategically important region, a disputed area between China and Bhutan.

The Indian Army had blocked the construction of the road as it could give China a major military advantage over India at the Bhutan-China-India tri-junction.

India yesterday announced that Modi will take part in the Xiamen summit.

&quot;On the sidelines of the BRICS meeting, Xi will also have meetings with some leaders upon their request. Once relevant arrangements are decided we will let you know. The first thing is whether the leaders will have the willingness to meet. If there is willingness of the leaders participating in the meeting, as a host the Chinese side will try to make it possible if our schedule programme permits,&quot; he said.

About the discord between India and China, which are important members of the BRICS, he said &quot;we hope through the efforts of both sides we will maintain healthy and stable momentum of growth for China India relations&quot; in the interest of Chinese and Indian people as well as meeting the aspiration of international community and neighbouring countries.

Wang said there is huge potential and space for greater cooperation between China and India and such cooperation serves the interest of the two countries.

&quot;We hope China and India will join hands and work together for rejuvenation of Asia and for the development of our region and contribute our share to greater development,&quot; he said.

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit will be held in the southeast Chinese city of Xiamen from September 3 to 5.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was on Wednesday asked to respond to media reports that India withdrew its troops to provide a face saver to China after reaching a settlement

China on Wednesday asked India to "learn lessons" from the stand-off in Doklam and prevent such incidents in future. It also blamed "Indian trespassing" for the border face-off between the two countries. The countries ended their standoff in Dokalam by withdrawing their troops from the area. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was on Wednesday asked to respond to media reports that India withdrew its troops to provide a face saver to China after reaching a settlement. Wang Yi said the 73-day stand-off between India and China in the strategic disputed region near Sikkim ended after India withdrew its troops. "The border face off caused by Indian trespassing has been settled," he said, adding that as per the "authoritative information" with the Chinese government, Indian troops had withdrawn from the area on the afternoon of August 28, which "brought the faceoff to an end". "That is a basic fact and of course, we hope that the Indian side will learn lessons from this incident and prevent similar things from happening again," he said. Asked about the differences between the two countries, Wang said, "India and China are two big countries. It is natural that there are some problems in our interactions". "What is important is that we put these differences at appropriate place and under the principle of mutual respect and following the consensus of our leaders, we need to handle and manage them properly," he said. "In the meantime, with our engagement through different mechanisms we need to work out a solution in the long run". The Chinese foreign minister was addressing a press conference in Beijing on the BRICS summit to be held in Xiamen city next week He evaded a direct reply on whether there will be meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping, saying instead that there will be bilateral meetings and interactions between the participating leaders which is natural practice. The face-off in Dokalam was resolved days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit next week. India's External Affairs Ministry did not immediately comment on the Chinese foreign minister's remarks. Troops of both countries had involved in a standoff in Dokalam since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from constructing a road in the strategically important region, a disputed area between China and Bhutan. The Indian Army had blocked the construction of the road as it could give China a major military advantage over India at the Bhutan-China-India tri-junction. India yesterday announced that Modi will take part in the Xiamen summit. "On the sidelines of the BRICS meeting, Xi will also have meetings with some leaders upon their request. Once relevant arrangements are decided we will let you know. The first thing is whether the leaders will have the willingness to meet. If there is willingness of the leaders participating in the meeting, as a host the Chinese side will try to make it possible if our schedule programme permits," he said. About the discord between India and China, which are important members of the BRICS, he said "we hope through the efforts of both sides we will maintain healthy and stable momentum of growth for China India relations" in the interest of Chinese and Indian people as well as meeting the aspiration of international community and neighbouring countries. Wang said there is huge potential and space for greater cooperation between China and India and such cooperation serves the interest of the two countries. "We hope China and India will join hands and work together for rejuvenation of Asia and for the development of our region and contribute our share to greater development," he said. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit will be held in the southeast Chinese city of Xiamen from September 3 to 5.

What China has to say on being given face-saver on Doklam stand-off

India and China should engage in direct dialogue free of any &quot;coercive aspects&quot; to reduce the tension over a military standoff in Doklam, the Pentagon has said.

Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face-off in Doklam area in the southernmost part of Tibet in an area also claimed by Indian ally Bhutan for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area.

&quot;We encourage India and China to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and free of any coercive aspects,&quot; Gary Ross, a Defence Department spokesman told PTI.

Ross, however, refused to take sides on the issue.

&quot;We refer you to the governments of India and China for further information... We are not going to speculate on such matters,&quot; Ross said when asked if the Pentagon fears the tension may escalate between India and China.

The US State Department too has made similar statements over the past week.

In recent years, almost all neighbours of China have accused Beijing of coercive tactics to settle border disputes.

The standoff in Dokalam is seen as part of the same tactic to change the status quo in the area. India has taken a strong stand against the Chinese &quot;unilateral action&quot;.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is to head to Beijing for a meeting of BRICS&#39; NSAs next week. He is expected to discuss the issue with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

Earlier this week, a top Pentagon Commander told US lawmakers that China was exploiting its economic leverage as a way to further its regional political objectives.

&quot;As China&#39;s military modernisation continues, the United States and its allies and partners will continue to be challenged to balance China&#39;s influence,&quot; General Paul Selva, USAF, said in written response to questions to the Senate Armed Services Committee for his reconfirmation as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Selva said deterring war is an exercise in influencing China&#39;s decision calculus, making diplomacy preferable to conflict and managing crises in such a manner that they do not unintentionally escalate.

&quot;To do this, the Joint Force will engage with the Chinese military within Congressionally mandated limits, build alliance capacity through close cooperation, and uphold international law through appropriate operations,&quot; he said.

The US has refused to take sides on the issue

India and China should engage in direct dialogue free of any "coercive aspects" to reduce the tension over a military standoff in Doklam, the Pentagon has said. Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face-off in Doklam area in the southernmost part of Tibet in an area also claimed by Indian ally Bhutan for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area. "We encourage India and China to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and free of any coercive aspects," Gary Ross, a Defence Department spokesman told PTI. Ross, however, refused to take sides on the issue. "We refer you to the governments of India and China for further information... We are not going to speculate on such matters," Ross said when asked if the Pentagon fears the tension may escalate between India and China. The US State Department too has made similar statements over the past week. In recent years, almost all neighbours of China have accused Beijing of coercive tactics to settle border disputes. The standoff in Dokalam is seen as part of the same tactic to change the status quo in the area. India has taken a strong stand against the Chinese "unilateral action". National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is to head to Beijing for a meeting of BRICS' NSAs next week. He is expected to discuss the issue with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. Earlier this week, a top Pentagon Commander told US lawmakers that China was exploiting its economic leverage as a way to further its regional political objectives. "As China's military modernisation continues, the United States and its allies and partners will continue to be challenged to balance China's influence," General Paul Selva, USAF, said in written response to questions to the Senate Armed Services Committee for his reconfirmation as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Selva said deterring war is an exercise in influencing China's decision calculus, making diplomacy preferable to conflict and managing crises in such a manner that they do not unintentionally escalate. "To do this, the Joint Force will engage with the Chinese military within Congressionally mandated limits, build alliance capacity through close cooperation, and uphold international law through appropriate operations," he said.

US tells China, India to engage in 'direct dialogue' over stand-off in Doklam

India said on Thursday&nbsp;it will continue to use diplomatic channels with China to resolve the stand-off in Doklam and insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held &quot;conversation on range of issues&quot; in Hamburg.

The stand-off between the Indian and Chinese armies took place in Sikkim sector&#39;s Doklam area,&nbsp;where Indian troops stopped the construction of a road by Chinese soldiers on June 16.

&quot;We have diplomatic channels available. We have embassies in both countries. Those channels will continue to be used,&quot; External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said when asked about the nearly month-long stand off in Dokalam.

He also referred to foreign secretary S Jaishankar&#39;s remarks at an event in Singapore on the issue.

The external affairs ministry spokesperson noted that there were well-established and mutually agreed mechanisms to address differences on border issue as well as tri-junctions.

&quot;I would only refer you back to the information we put out after the meeting (in Hamburg).&nbsp;There was a picture that we had tweeted. There was a brief text that...said at the BRICS leaders&#39; informal meeting at Hamburg on the sidelines of the G0-20 summit, the BRICS leaders an informal meeting was hosted by China.

&quot;Prime Minister Modi and President Xi had a conversation on a range of issues,&quot; Baglay said when asked about the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman&#39;s remarks that there was no bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

However, he refused to give details on the &quot;range of issues&quot;,&nbsp;saying, &quot;It is not for me to comment as to what grounds the two leaders covered.&quot;

On whether the Doklam stand-off also figured during the &quot;conversation on range of issues&quot; between Modi and Xi, Baglay said, &quot;There was a conversation between them. There were a range of issues that was the subject matter of that conversation.&quot;

Asked if his remarks on the diplomatic resolution of the Doklam stand-off indicated any shift in Chinese demand for withdrawal of Indian troops from the area, he said India has already outlined its position on the issue.

&quot;There was also a &#39;conversation on a range of issues&#39; between the leaders of India and China in Hamburg. And today I have said that there are diplomatic channels which will continue to be used. So,&nbsp;you have to see everything in totality,&quot; he asserted.

On strong rhetorics in Chinese media warning India on the Dokalam stan doff, Baglay said, &quot;This matter we are dealing with is a serious matter and it has implications. We remain engaged in addressing this matter...&quot;

On whether National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was travelling to Bejing on July 26, he said there was no information with him.

Doval, who is the Special Representative for the India- China border talks, is expected to visit Beijing on July 26 to attend the meeting of the NSAs from BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Baglay also declined to comment on recent meeting between the top Chinese envoy and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, saying the MEA does not comment on activities of embassies or political parties. 
&nbsp;

The stand-off between the Indian and Chinese armies took place in Sikkim sector's Doklam area, where Indian troops stopped the construction of a road by Chinese soldiers on June 16

India said on Thursday it will continue to use diplomatic channels with China to resolve the stand-off in Doklam and insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held "conversation on range of issues" in Hamburg. The stand-off between the Indian and Chinese armies took place in Sikkim sector's Doklam area, where Indian troops stopped the construction of a road by Chinese soldiers on June 16. "We have diplomatic channels available. We have embassies in both countries. Those channels will continue to be used," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said when asked about the nearly month-long stand off in Dokalam. He also referred to foreign secretary S Jaishankar's remarks at an event in Singapore on the issue. The external affairs ministry spokesperson noted that there were well-established and mutually agreed mechanisms to address differences on border issue as well as tri-junctions. "I would only refer you back to the information we put out after the meeting (in Hamburg). There was a picture that we had tweeted. There was a brief text that...said at the BRICS leaders' informal meeting at Hamburg on the sidelines of the G0-20 summit, the BRICS leaders an informal meeting was hosted by China. "Prime Minister Modi and President Xi had a conversation on a range of issues," Baglay said when asked about the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman's remarks that there was no bilateral meeting between the two leaders. However, he refused to give details on the "range of issues", saying, "It is not for me to comment as to what grounds the two leaders covered." On whether the Doklam stand-off also figured during the "conversation on range of issues" between Modi and Xi, Baglay said, "There was a conversation between them. There were a range of issues that was the subject matter of that conversation." Asked if his remarks on the diplomatic resolution of the Doklam stand-off indicated any shift in Chinese demand for withdrawal of Indian troops from the area, he said India has already outlined its position on the issue. "There was also a 'conversation on a range of issues' between the leaders of India and China in Hamburg. And today I have said that there are diplomatic channels which will continue to be used. So, you have to see everything in totality," he asserted. On strong rhetorics in Chinese media warning India on the Dokalam stan doff, Baglay said, "This matter we are dealing with is a serious matter and it has implications. We remain engaged in addressing this matter..." On whether National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was travelling to Bejing on July 26, he said there was no information with him. Doval, who is the Special Representative for the India- China border talks, is expected to visit Beijing on July 26 to attend the meeting of the NSAs from BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Baglay also declined to comment on recent meeting between the top Chinese envoy and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, saying the MEA does not comment on activities of embassies or political parties.

Will continue to use diplomatic channels to resolve stand-off with China: India

More than one million Indians died in 2015 due to worsening air pollution levels, according to a report published by US-based institutes.

The data lays bare the past Indian government&#39;s policies towards improving the air quality. There has been a 50 per cent spike in early deaths related to the deteriorating problem between 1990 and 2015.

Globally, there were 4.2 million premature deaths and a loss of 103 million healthy years of life in 2015, making air pollution the fifth-highest cause of death among all health risks, according to a Health Effects Institute report.

The study found that China and India were responsible for over half of the total global attributable deaths.

The report also stated that only one in 10 people&nbsp;live in places that have clean air.

&ldquo;We are seeing increasing air pollution problems worldwide, and this new report and website details why that air pollution is a major contributor to early death,&rdquo; said Dan Greenbaum, President of the Health Effects Institute (HEI1 ), the global research institute that designed and implemented the study.

&ldquo;The trends we report show that we have seen progress in some parts of the world &ndash; but serious challenges remain,&rdquo; he added.

Although China has been long criticised for its poor air quality, the number of deaths linked to high pollution has stabilised in recent years.

The latest data will be an eye-opener for the Indian government as it has downplayed the significance of poor air quality in the past.

HEI&#39;s analysis is the first of a new series of annual reports and accompanying interactive website, designed and implemented by the Health Effects Institute in cooperation with the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and the University of British Columbia.

A UN report had last year said that Asia and the Middle East, and low-and middle-income countries are the most affected regions.

United Nation&#39;s World Health Organization said that the major sources of air pollution were: inefficient modes of transport (polluting fuels and vehicles), inefficient combustion of household fuels for cooking, lighting and heating, coal-fired power plants, agriculture, and waste burning.

(WION)

A study by US-based institutes said the number of early deaths due to toxic air had spiked by 50% between 1990 and 2015

More than one million Indians died in 2015 due to worsening air pollution levels, according to a report published by US-based institutes. The data lays bare the past Indian government's policies towards improving the air quality. There has been a 50 per cent spike in early deaths related to the deteriorating problem between 1990 and 2015. Globally, there were 4.2 million premature deaths and a loss of 103 million healthy years of life in 2015, making air pollution the fifth-highest cause of death among all health risks, according to a Health Effects Institute report. The study found that China and India were responsible for over half of the total global attributable deaths. The report also stated that only one in 10 people live in places that have clean air. “We are seeing increasing air pollution problems worldwide, and this new report and website details why that air pollution is a major contributor to early death,” said Dan Greenbaum, President of the Health Effects Institute (HEI1 ), the global research institute that designed and implemented the study. “The trends we report show that we have seen progress in some parts of the world – but serious challenges remain,” he added. Although China has been long criticised for its poor air quality, the number of deaths linked to high pollution has stabilised in recent years. The latest data will be an eye-opener for the Indian government as it has downplayed the significance of poor air quality in the past. HEI's analysis is the first of a new series of annual reports and accompanying interactive website, designed and implemented by the Health Effects Institute in cooperation with the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and the University of British Columbia. A UN report had last year said that Asia and the Middle East, and low-and middle-income countries are the most affected regions. United Nation's World Health Organization said that the major sources of air pollution were: inefficient modes of transport (polluting fuels and vehicles), inefficient combustion of household fuels for cooking, lighting and heating, coal-fired power plants, agriculture, and waste burning. (WION)

More than one million Indians died due to poor air quality in 2015: Report

China and Nepal have agreed to conduct a military drill for the first time, an announcement that is likely to form worry lines in the Indian establishment.

The military exercise will be conducted next year, a move that will calcify a growing relationship between Nepal and China.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said China and Nepal&nbsp;had been in &quot;initial communication&quot; about joint army exercises, and details would be announced in due time.

The ministry said on its website this would be the first joint military exercises between the two countries.

The Nepal government under Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has continued with its predecessor&nbsp;Khadga Prasad Oli&#39;s China outreach policy.

The past two Nepal administrations have been trying to lessen its heavy dependence on India by forging deals with Beijing.

There has been a growing murmur in powers of corridor about the need to renegotiate its India policy.

Currently, most of Nepal&#39;s deals with third countries is heavily reliant on New Delhi&#39;s largesse as its trade routes open into India.

Additionally, India and Nepal have enjoyed common cultural, military and religious ties.

But recent turbulence in India-Nepal relations have meant that New Delhi&#39;s once vice-like grip has relaxed as recent governments have looked towards China for more support.

However, the Prachanda administration has been careful&nbsp;to keep both India and China on-side. At the start of his reign, Prachanda dispatched envoys to both the countries -- in China&nbsp;to deepen economic ties and in India to assuage all concerns that had cropped under Oli&#39;s rule.

On December 27,&nbsp;Nepal&#39;s ambassador to India Deep Upadhyay said the joint military drill should not discomfit New Delhi as the engagement is on a &quot;small scale&quot;, Indian newspaper The Times of India reported.

&quot;Whichever way you look at it, Nepal has a special relationship with India and that&#39;s not going to change because of any such exercise,&quot; the ambassador further said.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

This will be the first joint military exercise between the two countries -- an endeavour that will likely strengthen their military ties

China and Nepal have agreed to conduct a military drill for the first time, an announcement that is likely to form worry lines in the Indian establishment. The military exercise will be conducted next year, a move that will calcify a growing relationship between Nepal and China. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said China and Nepal had been in "initial communication" about joint army exercises, and details would be announced in due time. The ministry said on its website this would be the first joint military exercises between the two countries. The Nepal government under Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has continued with its predecessor Khadga Prasad Oli's China outreach policy. The past two Nepal administrations have been trying to lessen its heavy dependence on India by forging deals with Beijing. There has been a growing murmur in powers of corridor about the need to renegotiate its India policy. Currently, most of Nepal's deals with third countries is heavily reliant on New Delhi's largesse as its trade routes open into India. Additionally, India and Nepal have enjoyed common cultural, military and religious ties. But recent turbulence in India-Nepal relations have meant that New Delhi's once vice-like grip has relaxed as recent governments have looked towards China for more support. However, the Prachanda administration has been careful to keep both India and China on-side. At the start of his reign, Prachanda dispatched envoys to both the countries -- in China to deepen economic ties and in India to assuage all concerns that had cropped under Oli's rule. On December 27, Nepal's ambassador to India Deep Upadhyay said the joint military drill should not discomfit New Delhi as the engagement is on a "small scale", Indian newspaper The Times of India reported. "Whichever way you look at it, Nepal has a special relationship with India and that's not going to change because of any such exercise," the ambassador further said. (WION with inputs from PTI)

China, Nepal to conduct military drill next year, raises concern in India

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