Indian Army on Tuesday (September 8) rejected China's claim that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control and fired “warning shots” near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, stressing that India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC.

India: Indian Army didn't cross LAC, no shots fired at Pangong Lake

China on the early hours of Tuesday claimed that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It further also claimed that the India troops fired “warning shots” near the Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh to which their soldiers took “countermeasures”. According to the sources, Chinese troops advanced in Indian territory.

Sources: Chinese troops advanced in Indian territory

China on the early hours of Tuesday claimed that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It further also claimed that the India troops fired “warning shots” near the Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh to which their soldiers took “countermeasures”.

Sources: Indian government to issue statement over China's claims

Months after the first confrontations in May, India and China are back to where it all began- the Pangong Tso lake. This time it is its southern bank that has become the newest flashpoint in the faceoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Watch the video to know the significance of Rezang La.

What Rezang La means for India as China attempts to occupy?

WION News exclusively spoke to Major GeneraL SB Asthana who is a defence expert & has 40 years of defence experience at National & International level, regarding China's blame on Indian Army. Watch the vidoe to what SB Asthana says on the issue.

Indian Army never resorted to any Provocative action: Maj Gen SB Asthana

Reacting strongly to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) claims, Indian Army on Tuesday asserted that no stage had its soldiers transgressed across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or resorted to any aggressive means, including firing.

India: Chinese troops transgressed into Indian Territory

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-accuses-indian-soldiers-of-crossing-lac-and-firing-warning-shots-325855">Also read | China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’</a> 
 
Indian Army has issued a statement on the firing incident in Ladakh and said, "India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing."

"It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," the Indian Army said.

Earlier, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake.&nbsp;

Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao Mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday."

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management.

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management. Also read | China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’ Indian Army has issued a statement on the firing incident in Ladakh and said, "India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing." "It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," the Indian Army said. Earlier, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake. Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao Mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday." (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese military closed in on Indian positions, fired in the air: Army rejects PLA claims

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake.&nbsp;

Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday."

India has not responded to the PLA's statement yet.&nbsp;

A second tweet from Global Times citing a spokesperson said: "Chinese border defense troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation after the Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots to PLA border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate."&nbsp;

This accusation comes two days after the defence ministers of India and China met in Moscow, and days before foreign ministers of both countries meet.&nbsp;

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake. Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday." India has not responded to the PLA's statement yet. A second tweet from Global Times citing a spokesperson said: "Chinese border defense troops were forced to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation after the Indian troops outrageously fired warning shots to PLA border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate." This accusation comes two days after the defence ministers of India and China met in Moscow, and days before foreign ministers of both countries meet.

China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’

The Indian Army has taken up with the Chinese military the reports of abduction of five people from Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh by the PLA troops, military sources said on Sunday.

Sources: Chinese Army allegedly abducts 5 Indians in Arunachal Pradesh

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is holding talks with his Chinese counterpart in Moscow. As China pitches for talks, the Chinese state mouthpiece - Global Times is hurling insults and sabre rattling

Gravitas: India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to meet his Chinese counterpart

The liberation of Tibet 2020 has claimed its first martyr, a 51-year-old Company Leader, Nyima Tenzin, of the Special Frontier Force (SFF). Founded in 1962, the SSF is a special commando group of Tibetans in exile, integrated with, and working alongside the Indian Army.&nbsp;

Tenzin, a father of three, died, some reports say, after stepping on a Chinese landmine planted under the snow, not now, but back in 1962. Other reports state he was shot in the neck by the Chinese. His funeral, with full military honours, will take place today on September 7. His body was draped in both the Indian flag and the flag of free Tibet.

This death, and the outflanking of the entire LAC issue it symbolises, is the new strategic landscape in Ladakh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
India has revamped its military posture. The Rubicon has been crossed politically. By going up well behind the LAC, over 4 km deep, capturing the territory and features in between, India has turned the tables. The Chinese now have to contend with a proactive India that has abandoned its defensive game.&nbsp;

India now controls as many as 39 of the high points along with the Pangong Tso. These give India oversight and military advantages all along the Pangong Tso, from South to North. There is a line of vision in other strategic directions as well. &nbsp;

These heights, connected valleys, roads, and passes, have not been captured in a token sense, but for the purposes of exerting pressure on the ongoing negotiations. They are designed to affect military domination of the theatre of confrontation and are to be seen as a signature to a new policy.&nbsp;

The initial capture of the heights began on August 29-30, after a Chinese attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo on the South Bank of the Pangong Tso. It was reinforced with heavily armoured vehicles, tanks and missiles, some of it in place within hours.&nbsp;

These took up position in the valley overlooking both Pangong Tso and Chushul.&nbsp;

This rapid deployment has taken away the initiative from the PLA and the Chinese leadership in the CCP back in Beijing. Four months after the latest Chinese intrusions began in May, the ground situation has been radically altered.&nbsp;

All Chinese positions after the intrusions, and even in the massed areas behind the front lines have been rendered vulnerable. In fact, the recapture of territory lost in 1962 has begun.&nbsp;

India is no longer acting for a restoration of the status quo as it was in April 2020. There will be no Indian pullback, no giving back of captured territory. The changed scenario has put the focus on the reclamation of over 1,000 sq.km in Ladakh encroached upon since the late 1950s.&nbsp;

By using the SSF as the spearhead, India is gaining from its legendary ferocity, prowess, its considerable knowledge of the terrain, and ability to fight at elevated heights in extreme conditions.&nbsp;

Underlining the new thrust which has cut through the stalled talks, is a bid to free Tibet and undo a historical wrong from the 1950s.&nbsp; 
India has always had a peaceful Indo-Tibetan border for centuries. And the disruption, destruction, murder and humiliation wrought by Chairman Mao’s China will have to be obliterated if India is to see peace along its northern borders once more.

India has begun a process that apparently has the full diplomatic backing of the United States. This, given the bellicose stand taken by President Xi Jinping with multiple countries simultaneously, in the region, and the world. Both The NATO allies and the EU are now clear they will have to resist Chinese imperialism.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping has unleashed a new wave of repression in Tibet as China fears a groundswell of rebellion.&nbsp; 
India will have to free the occupied territories in Siachen, Akshai Chin and Ladakh first. And this is the face of hysterical threats from the Chinese.&nbsp;

But India’s priorities have changed beyond going back and forth on an undefined LAC. China is fond of citing obscure historical and cultural precedents, even as it refuses to honour treaties or recognise any of the older or colonial-era protocols.&nbsp;

India has now moved on. It has decided not to engage with ever-changing Chinese maps of the LAC region, all 4,000 km or so of it.&nbsp;

The Chinese, on their part, think the LAC is only 2,500 km. long, because they claim Arunachal Pradesh as theirs, calling it South Tibet.&nbsp;

China has also advanced unsustainable claims in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the Sikkim/Bhutan areas. These have become ever more aggressive over the years and made a mockery of negotiations at all levels of interaction. In addition, China is playing a predatory role in PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan directly, and via Pakistan as well.&nbsp;

India has no choice but to outflank existing Chinese strategies and tactics. To place China on the mat the best course is to put Tibet, captured by Red China as recently as the 1950s, back into contention.&nbsp;

This will no doubt see India foraying across the LAC regularly, and at various points along with it, to create military advantages and pursue the broader objective. Every excursion will hopefully result in a gain of territory that will not be returned to China.

All this cannot happen without a fight or perhaps many skirmishes to come. But China is already aware, judging by its agitation at its Defence Minister level, that it is a battle ignited out on the fringes of its empire that it will find hard to sustain and win. The hostile Tibetans, armed and trained by India and its allies, will do everything to help themselves.&nbsp;

It could turn into a debacle for China going forward, no less humiliating than the defeat of the USSR in Afghanistan. Certainly, the dragon is not likely to see a day’s rest from now onwards.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The liberation of Tibet 2020 has claimed its first martyr, a 51-year-old Company Leader, Nyima Tenzin, of the Special Frontier Force (SFF). Founded in 1962, the SSF is a special commando group of Tibetans in exile, integrated with, and working alongside the Indian Army.

The liberation of Tibet 2020 has claimed its first martyr, a 51-year-old Company Leader, Nyima Tenzin, of the Special Frontier Force (SFF). Founded in 1962, the SSF is a special commando group of Tibetans in exile, integrated with, and working alongside the Indian Army. Tenzin, a father of three, died, some reports say, after stepping on a Chinese landmine planted under the snow, not now, but back in 1962. Other reports state he was shot in the neck by the Chinese. His funeral, with full military honours, will take place today on September 7. His body was draped in both the Indian flag and the flag of free Tibet. This death, and the outflanking of the entire LAC issue it symbolises, is the new strategic landscape in Ladakh. India has revamped its military posture. The Rubicon has been crossed politically. By going up well behind the LAC, over 4 km deep, capturing the territory and features in between, India has turned the tables. The Chinese now have to contend with a proactive India that has abandoned its defensive game. India now controls as many as 39 of the high points along with the Pangong Tso. These give India oversight and military advantages all along the Pangong Tso, from South to North. There is a line of vision in other strategic directions as well. These heights, connected valleys, roads, and passes, have not been captured in a token sense, but for the purposes of exerting pressure on the ongoing negotiations. They are designed to affect military domination of the theatre of confrontation and are to be seen as a signature to a new policy. The initial capture of the heights began on August 29-30, after a Chinese attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo on the South Bank of the Pangong Tso. It was reinforced with heavily armoured vehicles, tanks and missiles, some of it in place within hours. These took up position in the valley overlooking both Pangong Tso and Chushul. This rapid deployment has taken away the initiative from the PLA and the Chinese leadership in the CCP back in Beijing. Four months after the latest Chinese intrusions began in May, the ground situation has been radically altered. All Chinese positions after the intrusions, and even in the massed areas behind the front lines have been rendered vulnerable. In fact, the recapture of territory lost in 1962 has begun. India is no longer acting for a restoration of the status quo as it was in April 2020. There will be no Indian pullback, no giving back of captured territory. The changed scenario has put the focus on the reclamation of over 1,000 sq.km in Ladakh encroached upon since the late 1950s. By using the SSF as the spearhead, India is gaining from its legendary ferocity, prowess, its considerable knowledge of the terrain, and ability to fight at elevated heights in extreme conditions. Underlining the new thrust which has cut through the stalled talks, is a bid to free Tibet and undo a historical wrong from the 1950s. India has always had a peaceful Indo-Tibetan border for centuries. And the disruption, destruction, murder and humiliation wrought by Chairman Mao’s China will have to be obliterated if India is to see peace along its northern borders once more. India has begun a process that apparently has the full diplomatic backing of the United States. This, given the bellicose stand taken by President Xi Jinping with multiple countries simultaneously, in the region, and the world. Both The NATO allies and the EU are now clear they will have to resist Chinese imperialism. Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping has unleashed a new wave of repression in Tibet as China fears a groundswell of rebellion. India will have to free the occupied territories in Siachen, Akshai Chin and Ladakh first. And this is the face of hysterical threats from the Chinese. But India’s priorities have changed beyond going back and forth on an undefined LAC. China is fond of citing obscure historical and cultural precedents, even as it refuses to honour treaties or recognise any of the older or colonial-era protocols. India has now moved on. It has decided not to engage with ever-changing Chinese maps of the LAC region, all 4,000 km or so of it. The Chinese, on their part, think the LAC is only 2,500 km. long, because they claim Arunachal Pradesh as theirs, calling it South Tibet. China has also advanced unsustainable claims in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the Sikkim/Bhutan areas. These have become ever more aggressive over the years and made a mockery of negotiations at all levels of interaction. In addition, China is playing a predatory role in PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan directly, and via Pakistan as well. India has no choice but to outflank existing Chinese strategies and tactics. To place China on the mat the best course is to put Tibet, captured by Red China as recently as the 1950s, back into contention. This will no doubt see India foraying across the LAC regularly, and at various points along with it, to create military advantages and pursue the broader objective. Every excursion will hopefully result in a gain of territory that will not be returned to China. All this cannot happen without a fight or perhaps many skirmishes to come. But China is already aware, judging by its agitation at its Defence Minister level, that it is a battle ignited out on the fringes of its empire that it will find hard to sustain and win. The hostile Tibetans, armed and trained by India and its allies, will do everything to help themselves. It could turn into a debacle for China going forward, no less humiliating than the defeat of the USSR in Afghanistan. Certainly, the dragon is not likely to see a day’s rest from now onwards. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India is now working to free Tibet

The Indian Army has taken up with the Chinese military the reports of abduction of five people from Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh by the PLA troops, military sources said on Sunday.

The commander of the Army unit deployed in the area sent hotline messages to the PLA unit concerned about the reported abduction, the sources said.

The reports of abduction of the five men came at a time Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control in view of the border row between the two countries in eastern Ladakh.

A senior official of the Arunachal Pradesh government said on Saturday that the local police has launched a probe into the matter.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has taken up with the Chinese military the reports of abduction of five people from Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh by the PLA troops, military sources said on Sunday. The commander of the Army unit deployed in the area sent hotline messages to the PLA unit concerned about the reported abduction, the sources said. The reports of abduction of the five men came at a time Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control in view of the border row between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. A senior official of the Arunachal Pradesh government said on Saturday that the local police has launched a probe into the matter.

Indian Army takes up with PLA reported abduction of five people in Arunachal by Chinese troops

Indian and Chinese militaries on Sunday held another round of talks in eastern Ladakh in an attempt to calm tensions even as the situation remained "delicate" with both sides further rushing in additional troops and weapons following last week's confrontations, government sources said.

The nearly four-hour brigade commander-level interaction near Chushul could not produce any tangible outcome, they said.

The sources said the Indian Army has been on a very high level of alert and is ready to deal with any eventuality in the area.

The overall situation in the region continued to be delicate, they said.

Tension escalated in the region after Indian troops foiled attempts by Chinese military to occupy Indian territories in the southern bank of Pangong lake area on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

Following the confrontation, India occupied a number of strategic heights in the Chushul sector overlooking crucial bases of the Chinese military. Since then, China has deployed additional troops, tanks and anti-tank guided missiles in the area.

India too has strengthened its combat capabilities following reinforcements by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The two sides held extensive talks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, each lasting over six hours, but no concrete result emerged from the negotiations.

In talks with his Chinese counterpart Gen. Wei Fenghe on Friday in Moscow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed that China's actions like amassing a large number of troops, its aggressive behaviour and attempts to alter the status quo in Ladakh were in violation of bilateral pacts.

He also told Wei that China must strictly respect the Line of Actual Control(LAC) and not make attempts to unilaterally change its status quo.

Sources said that Singh told Wei firmly that India will not "cede an inch of land" and is determined to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country at "all cost".

On Monday, the Indian Army said the Chinese military carried out "provocative military movements" to "unilaterally" change the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 but the attempt was thwarted by the Indian troops.

The two sides were earlier engaged in a confrontation on the northern bank of Pangong lake but it was for the first time such an incident occurred on its southern bank.

There have been reports that China has deployed J-20 long-range fighter jets and several other key assets in strategically located Hotan airbase which is around 310 kms from eastern Ladakh.

In the last three months, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC.

The fresh attempt by China to change the status quo in the Pangong lake area is the first major incident in the area after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.

China also suffered casualties but is yet to make the details public. According to an American intelligence report, it was 35.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

Indian and Chinese militaries on Sunday held another round of talks in eastern Ladakh in an attempt to calm tensions even as the situation remained "delicate" with both sides further rushing in additional troops and weapons following last week's confrontations, government sources said.

Indian and Chinese militaries on Sunday held another round of talks in eastern Ladakh in an attempt to calm tensions even as the situation remained "delicate" with both sides further rushing in additional troops and weapons following last week's confrontations, government sources said. The nearly four-hour brigade commander-level interaction near Chushul could not produce any tangible outcome, they said. The sources said the Indian Army has been on a very high level of alert and is ready to deal with any eventuality in the area. The overall situation in the region continued to be delicate, they said. Tension escalated in the region after Indian troops foiled attempts by Chinese military to occupy Indian territories in the southern bank of Pangong lake area on the intervening night of August 29 and 30. Following the confrontation, India occupied a number of strategic heights in the Chushul sector overlooking crucial bases of the Chinese military. Since then, China has deployed additional troops, tanks and anti-tank guided missiles in the area. India too has strengthened its combat capabilities following reinforcements by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The two sides held extensive talks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, each lasting over six hours, but no concrete result emerged from the negotiations. In talks with his Chinese counterpart Gen. Wei Fenghe on Friday in Moscow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed that China's actions like amassing a large number of troops, its aggressive behaviour and attempts to alter the status quo in Ladakh were in violation of bilateral pacts. He also told Wei that China must strictly respect the Line of Actual Control(LAC) and not make attempts to unilaterally change its status quo. Sources said that Singh told Wei firmly that India will not "cede an inch of land" and is determined to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country at "all cost". On Monday, the Indian Army said the Chinese military carried out "provocative military movements" to "unilaterally" change the status quo on the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30 but the attempt was thwarted by the Indian troops. The two sides were earlier engaged in a confrontation on the northern bank of Pangong lake but it was for the first time such an incident occurred on its southern bank. There have been reports that China has deployed J-20 long-range fighter jets and several other key assets in strategically located Hotan airbase which is around 310 kms from eastern Ladakh. In the last three months, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC. The fresh attempt by China to change the status quo in the Pangong lake area is the first major incident in the area after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. China also suffered casualties but is yet to make the details public. According to an American intelligence report, it was 35. India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh.

Indian, Chinese militaries hold Brigade Commander-level interaction in eastern Ladakh

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.

China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh.

The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes.

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The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes.
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1301949065450549248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers which took place earlier in the day.

India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.

This was the first high-level in-person meeting between the two sides amid the LAC row.&nbsp;

Earlier, foreign ministers of both countries -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Wang Yi, &nbsp;and special representatives on border issues -- NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi -- had a telephonic conversation and a virtual meeting.

What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it&nbsp;is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh.

Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row.

India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC.

India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts.

Last four months also saw the Galwan incident -- on June 15 -- in which India lost 20 soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been silent on the number.

India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. However, no meeting happened then.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet. China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 × Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers which took place earlier in the day. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. This was the first high-level in-person meeting between the two sides amid the LAC row. Earlier, foreign ministers of both countries -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Wang Yi, and special representatives on border issues -- NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi -- had a telephonic conversation and a virtual meeting. What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. Last four months also saw the Galwan incident -- on June 15 -- in which India lost 20 soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been silent on the number. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. However, no meeting happened then.

India's defence minister holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Moscow amid LAC row

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on his insistence. In fact, sources say&nbsp;the Chinese side had requested for the meeting thrice in last 80 days.

"The Chinese defence minister had requested for the meeting with the Indian defence minister thrice in last 80 days," sources say.

"The Chinese minister had even chosen to come down to the Indian defence minister's hotel for the dialogue."

The request for a meeting was also submitted to India when Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow for the victory day parade in June. That time India had denied the request.&nbsp;

That visit came after the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 soldiers in the clashes, and while China also suffered casualties it did not come up with any figure.

It's believed that one of the main causes of Chinese insistence this time was India taking swift action and getting an upper hand by taking up positions in higher reaches at the southern bank of Pangong lake.

This was the first in-person political engagement between the two sides.&nbsp;

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on his insistence. In fact, sources say the Chinese side had requested for the meeting thrice in last 80 days.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on his insistence. In fact, sources say the Chinese side had requested for the meeting thrice in last 80 days. "The Chinese defence minister had requested for the meeting with the Indian defence minister thrice in last 80 days," sources say. "The Chinese minister had even chosen to come down to the Indian defence minister's hotel for the dialogue." The request for a meeting was also submitted to India when Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow for the victory day parade in June. That time India had denied the request. That visit came after the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 soldiers in the clashes, and while China also suffered casualties it did not come up with any figure. It's believed that one of the main causes of Chinese insistence this time was India taking swift action and getting an upper hand by taking up positions in higher reaches at the southern bank of Pangong lake. This was the first in-person political engagement between the two sides.

Chinese defence minister had requested meeting with Indian side thrice in 80 days: Sources

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.

China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh.

What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

But what does China do while representatives talk?

China cannot be trusted. Look at what the Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese government, has been saying.

It has been publishing a lot of pieces on the border faceoff.

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China's most belligerent tabloid is hurling insults and sabre rattling.

Consider these headlines --

"New Delhi goes astry inciting border tensions"

It says India has dumped the negotiations path, blaming Indian soliders for the recent face-offs.

This one came out on Friday -- "Exiled Tibetans in India's special force are only cannon fodder"

The piece talks about the special frontier force of the Indian defence forces. It refers to a claim that india lost a soldier during its pre-emptive actions.

This is a false claim that even China has denied. But Global Times will write anything to suit its narrative.

Here is another piece: India underrates China's will to defend every inch of territory.

It says that Indian decision makers have underestimated China.

This tabloid quotes nameless faceless experts to make its points.

On the contrary, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground.

Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China.

"This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar.

This clearly implies India is engaging with China but from a position of strength. India is said to have taken strategic heights and vantage points in Ladakh.

Reports say the Indian Navy has deployed one of its frontline warships in the South China Sea. It is in constant contact with American Navy vessels.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet. China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh. What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. But what does China do while representatives talk? China cannot be trusted. Look at what the Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese government, has been saying. It has been publishing a lot of pieces on the border faceoff. × China's most belligerent tabloid is hurling insults and sabre rattling. Consider these headlines -- "New Delhi goes astry inciting border tensions" It says India has dumped the negotiations path, blaming Indian soliders for the recent face-offs. This one came out on Friday -- "Exiled Tibetans in India's special force are only cannon fodder" The piece talks about the special frontier force of the Indian defence forces. It refers to a claim that india lost a soldier during its pre-emptive actions. This is a false claim that even China has denied. But Global Times will write anything to suit its narrative. Here is another piece: India underrates China's will to defend every inch of territory. It says that Indian decision makers have underestimated China. This tabloid quotes nameless faceless experts to make its points. On the contrary, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground. Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China. "This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar. This clearly implies India is engaging with China but from a position of strength. India is said to have taken strategic heights and vantage points in Ladakh. Reports say the Indian Navy has deployed one of its frontline warships in the South China Sea. It is in constant contact with American Navy vessels.

What is Global Times publishing while representatives of India, China talk?

In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.&nbsp;

A source said the defence minister told the Chinese side that India will "not cede an inch of land" and was "determined to protect integrity and sovereignty of the country at all cost".

All "issues of friction" were discussed in detail in the first high-level political in-person engagement between the two sides amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

Earlier, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi had engaged and special representatives -- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese FM -- have engaged but only telephonically or via video conference.

The Chinese readout has blamed New Delhi saying "responsibility lies entirely with India". India, on the hand, has been focussing on how "actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo" was the cause of the current crisis.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to the Indian readout, stated that the "current situation should be handled responsibly" and that neither side "should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas."

In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.

In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. A source said the defence minister told the Chinese side that India will "not cede an inch of land" and was "determined to protect integrity and sovereignty of the country at all cost". All "issues of friction" were discussed in detail in the first high-level political in-person engagement between the two sides amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Earlier, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi had engaged and special representatives -- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese FM -- have engaged but only telephonically or via video conference. The Chinese readout has blamed New Delhi saying "responsibility lies entirely with India". India, on the hand, has been focussing on how "actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo" was the cause of the current crisis. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to the Indian readout, stated that the "current situation should be handled responsibly" and that neither side "should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas."

Not even an inch will be ceded: India's defence minister told Chinese counterpart in Moscow meet

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet.&nbsp;

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.

This will be the first high-level physical meeting between the two sides amidst tension. Earlier foreign minister of both countries — External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and FM Wang Yi and special representatives on border issues — NSA Doval and FM Wang Yi had telephonic chat and virtual meet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-rajnath-singh-meet-chinese-defence-minister-following-beijings-request-325136">Also read:&nbsp;Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request?</a>

Tensions are high between the two countries. Last four months saw Galwan incident on June 15 in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number.

India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said,"It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo."

Both sides are engaging at the diplomatic and military level with ground commanders meeting on a daily basis but without any outcome.

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet.

Amidst heightened India, China tensions, defence ministers of both the countries will meet in Moscow in few hours from now on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO meet. Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meet with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Both the defence ministers are in Moscow for the SCO defence minister meeting. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. This will be the first high-level physical meeting between the two sides amidst tension. Earlier foreign minister of both countries — External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and FM Wang Yi and special representatives on border issues — NSA Doval and FM Wang Yi had telephonic chat and virtual meet. Also read: Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request? Tensions are high between the two countries. Last four months saw Galwan incident on June 15 in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been mum on the number. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. At that time no meeting had happened. Earlier on Thursday India had said the ongoing situation at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh is due to "direct result of action" by China. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said,"It is clear that the situation we witness over the past four months is a direct result of the actions taken by the Chinese side that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo." Both sides are engaging at the diplomatic and military level with ground commanders meeting on a daily basis but without any outcome.

LAC tensions: Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet in Moscow shortly

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

Amid the India-China border tension, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground.

Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China.

"This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar.

He highlighted that India is engaged with China at military and diplomatic levels and is "firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues through dialogue" but "as far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"The pandemic has not stopped us from engaging. We have used the digital means, we have used the telephone, we have used direct diplomatic contact between New Delhi and Beijing and we have been talking to each other on this issue.

"We remain firmly committed to making sure that we preserve our territorial integrity and our sovereignty and we will not yield on that ground, we will remain firm and resolute. At the same time, we are open to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue," the foreign secretary said.

On the challenges being faced by India amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke about the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Ladakh.

"This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades. Also, I think if you look at the fact that we have not lost any lives on the border in the last 40 years, we have not seen this magnitude of amassing of forces on the border also in recent years, is something that we have to take stock of," he said.

The tension between the two sides had escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) Amid the India-China border tension, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years.

(with inputs from Sidhant Sibal) Amid the India-China border tension, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground. Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China. "This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar. He highlighted that India is engaged with China at military and diplomatic levels and is "firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues through dialogue" but "as far as we are concerned, there will be no compromise in our sovereignty and territorial integrity." "The pandemic has not stopped us from engaging. We have used the digital means, we have used the telephone, we have used direct diplomatic contact between New Delhi and Beijing and we have been talking to each other on this issue. "We remain firmly committed to making sure that we preserve our territorial integrity and our sovereignty and we will not yield on that ground, we will remain firm and resolute. At the same time, we are open to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue," the foreign secretary said. On the challenges being faced by India amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke about the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Ladakh. "This is one of the most serious challenges we have faced in many decades. Also, I think if you look at the fact that we have not lost any lives on the border in the last 40 years, we have not seen this magnitude of amassing of forces on the border also in recent years, is something that we have to take stock of," he said. The tension between the two sides had escalated manifold after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.

India firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity, says FS Harsh Shringla amid border tension with China

Amid the India-China border tension, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty

'China standoff most serious challenge' reacts India's Foreign Secretary

China is planning a more than 1 trillion yuan ($146 billion) push to accelerate infrastructure investment in Tibet. This investment includes new and previously announced projects.

According to Reuters, the renewed push to step-up development of the remote and impoverished southwestern region signals Beijing's intent to bolster frontier security amid heightened border tensions with India in recent months.

Last week, during a senior Communist Party meeting on Tibet's future governance, President Xi Jinping lauded achievements and praised frontline officials but said more efforts were needed to enrich, rejuvenate and strengthen unity in the region.

He said a number of major infrastructure projects and public facilities would be completed, including the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, according to remarks published by the official Xinhua news agency.

The construction plans include completion of the challenging middle section of a high-elevation Sichuan-Tibet railway link, a railway line between Nepal and Tibet that has remained in the planning stages, and a newly planned dry port in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The sources declined to be identified because they were not authorised to speak with media.

China's State Council Information Office and the Tibet regional government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Construction on the most difficult section of the Sichuan-Tibet railway - linking Chengdu with Lhasa - will begin in coming weeks.

The 270 billion yuan section of the railway has been known for construction challenges posed by rough terrain and complex geology, notably the segment linking Sichuan's Ya'an city with Nyingchi in southeastern Tibet near the border with India.

Beijing also wants to push ahead with the Tibet-Nepal Railway linking Kathmandu with Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, which was among a number of bilateral deals signed in 2018 between Nepal and China, but has yet to gain much traction.

Nepal is a buffer between China and India and is considered by New Delhi as its natural ally, but China has made inroads by pouring aid and infrastructure investment into what is one of the world's poorest countries.

A June clash in the western part of the China-India border was the worst violence between the Asian giants in decades, and there is little sign of easing tension, with more military action in the past week.

Beijing has long aimed to build a high-speed rail network to make Tibet more accessible from China's inland provinces, and it plans to improve or extend railways being planned or constructed that connect it with other parts of China.

Last month, China announced plans to expand the country's railway network by one-third over the next 15 years.

Within Tibet, the planned spending covers the revamp and expansion of highways, roads and scenic spots, two of the sources said.

Beijing sent troops into Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and maintains a heavy security presence in the region, which has been prone to unrest.

China rejects criticism from rights groups and Tibetan exiles of its rule there, saying it has brought much-needed development to a remote region and that it respects Tibet's culture and religion.

China's policies towards Tibet have come under the spotlight again this year amid worsening ties with the United States.

China is planning a more than 1 trillion yuan ($146 billion) push to accelerate infrastructure investment in Tibet. This investment includes new and previously announced projects.

China is planning a more than 1 trillion yuan ($146 billion) push to accelerate infrastructure investment in Tibet. This investment includes new and previously announced projects. According to Reuters, the renewed push to step-up development of the remote and impoverished southwestern region signals Beijing's intent to bolster frontier security amid heightened border tensions with India in recent months. Last week, during a senior Communist Party meeting on Tibet's future governance, President Xi Jinping lauded achievements and praised frontline officials but said more efforts were needed to enrich, rejuvenate and strengthen unity in the region. He said a number of major infrastructure projects and public facilities would be completed, including the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, according to remarks published by the official Xinhua news agency. The construction plans include completion of the challenging middle section of a high-elevation Sichuan-Tibet railway link, a railway line between Nepal and Tibet that has remained in the planning stages, and a newly planned dry port in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The sources declined to be identified because they were not authorised to speak with media. China's State Council Information Office and the Tibet regional government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Construction on the most difficult section of the Sichuan-Tibet railway - linking Chengdu with Lhasa - will begin in coming weeks. The 270 billion yuan section of the railway has been known for construction challenges posed by rough terrain and complex geology, notably the segment linking Sichuan's Ya'an city with Nyingchi in southeastern Tibet near the border with India. Beijing also wants to push ahead with the Tibet-Nepal Railway linking Kathmandu with Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, which was among a number of bilateral deals signed in 2018 between Nepal and China, but has yet to gain much traction. Nepal is a buffer between China and India and is considered by New Delhi as its natural ally, but China has made inroads by pouring aid and infrastructure investment into what is one of the world's poorest countries. A June clash in the western part of the China-India border was the worst violence between the Asian giants in decades, and there is little sign of easing tension, with more military action in the past week. Beijing has long aimed to build a high-speed rail network to make Tibet more accessible from China's inland provinces, and it plans to improve or extend railways being planned or constructed that connect it with other parts of China. Last month, China announced plans to expand the country's railway network by one-third over the next 15 years. Within Tibet, the planned spending covers the revamp and expansion of highways, roads and scenic spots, two of the sources said. Beijing sent troops into Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and maintains a heavy security presence in the region, which has been prone to unrest. China rejects criticism from rights groups and Tibetan exiles of its rule there, saying it has brought much-needed development to a remote region and that it respects Tibet's culture and religion. China's policies towards Tibet have come under the spotlight again this year amid worsening ties with the United States.

China planning building spree in Tibet as tensions with India rise: Sources

The Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan ministerial meet could likely to happen as early as October even as India has said it read to hold it. In response to a WION question, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson said," we look forward to holding quad meet later this year and details are being worked out".

The&nbsp;Quad&nbsp;foreign ministers met last year on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, which was the first such meet of the grouping.

Sources told WION, while "details are still being worked out" but "strong intent is to hold something in coming months. Likely to be after Indian parliament session though so not Sept."&nbsp;Monsoon session of the parliament will take place from 14th September to 1st October.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said a quad ministerial meet is&nbsp;being planned to take place in Delhi.

Speaking at U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Biegun said, "There’s going to be meeting of the&nbsp;Quad, a ministerial meeting with the&nbsp;Quad&nbsp;this fall in Delhi – that’s the intention anyway – in person."

Quad&nbsp;is viewed with suspicion by China as a grouping that is anti-Beijing. Asked about&nbsp;quad&nbsp;being anti-China grouping, Biegun said,” I don’t think responding to the threat of China in and of itself or any potential challenge from China in and of itself would be enough of a driver. It also has to have a positive agenda."

The Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan ministerial meet could likely to happen as early as October even as India has said it read to hold it. In response to a WION question, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson said," we look forward to holding quad meet later this year and details are being worked out".

The Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan ministerial meet could likely to happen as early as October even as India has said it read to hold it. In response to a WION question, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson said," we look forward to holding quad meet later this year and details are being worked out". The Quad foreign ministers met last year on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, which was the first such meet of the grouping. Sources told WION, while "details are still being worked out" but "strong intent is to hold something in coming months. Likely to be after Indian parliament session though so not Sept." Monsoon session of the parliament will take place from 14th September to 1st October. Earlier this month, US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said a quad ministerial meet is being planned to take place in Delhi. Speaking at U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Biegun said, "There’s going to be meeting of the Quad, a ministerial meeting with the Quad this fall in Delhi – that’s the intention anyway – in person." Quad is viewed with suspicion by China as a grouping that is anti-Beijing. Asked about quad being anti-China grouping, Biegun said,” I don’t think responding to the threat of China in and of itself or any potential challenge from China in and of itself would be enough of a driver. It also has to have a positive agenda."

Quad meet likely in October as India says ready to hold it

China has unilaterally tried to change the status quo at Ladakh thrice in the last three days. Chinese provocations began on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

The People's Liberation Army tried to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso. The Chinese provocation was foiled by Indian forces.

The PLA is now paying the price for the provocation.

The Indian army bolstered its presence around the southern area of the Pangong lake as it occupied multiple heights, deployed more troops, and brought in more weaponry including tanks and anti-tank guided missiles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-118-more-chinese-mobile-apps-including-pubg-324745">Also read:&nbsp;India bans 118 more Chinese mobile apps, including PUBG</a>

Three days on, the situation in Ladakh continues to be sensitive.&nbsp;

Development number 1

India has hit China where it hurts the most. Earlier this evening, India banned 118 chinese mobile applications. New Delhi said that the apps were "prejudicial to sovereignty and intergrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order."

Among them is popular gaming app PUBG. The app is owned by Chinese conglomerate Tencent. It has over 175 million downloads in India.

While there are no confirmed numbers on the revenue generated from India, Sensor Tower data claims that India accounts for 24 per cent of PUBG's downloads.

Earlier, India had banned TikTok, Shein and 104 other Chinese apps. The recent ban takes the total to 224. That's the number of Chinese apps that have been thrown out of the Indian market.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-to-double-nuclear-warheads-in-the-next-decade-324712">Also watch: China to double nuclear warheads in the next decade</a>

Development number 2

India and China held brigade commander level talks earlier today. These talks were aimed at defusing tensions. It was the third such dialogue in the last three days. Eventhough each round lasted for over six hours, they have not really been fruitful.

Sources have told WION that today's talks too were inconclusive. India has told China to disengage from the north bank of Pangong lake. We have been told that talks are likely to take place tomorrow as well.

Development number 3

This one is from Washington. The United States has called out China for its border aggression.

The US State department has said that the Chinese Communist Party is trying to "repress its own people and bully its neighbours." Washington said that the only way to stop the Chinese provocation is by standing up to China.

Development number 4

A report published by US news said that the American intelligence assessment believes that China deliberately provoked India in southern Ladakh.

The report states that Beijing remains enraged that its local commander withdrew forces when a physical conflict appeared imminent.

Development number 5

Beijing has had no reaction on the app bans. However, speaking at a foreign ministery press conference, Chinese spokesperson Hua Chunying said that apparently it was India that crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The problem, however, is&nbsp;there is no real border between India and China. The two countries&nbsp;follow two very different LAC.

The two countries have been engaged in a stand-off for 17 weeks now. The opening of new fronts is a lesson on the relapsing problems that can arise from an undefined border, especially when dealing with an expansionist neighbour like China.

China has unilaterally tried to change the status quo at Ladakh thrice in the last three days. Chinese provocations began on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

China has unilaterally tried to change the status quo at Ladakh thrice in the last three days. Chinese provocations began on the intervening night of August 29 and 30. The People's Liberation Army tried to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso. The Chinese provocation was foiled by Indian forces. The PLA is now paying the price for the provocation. The Indian army bolstered its presence around the southern area of the Pangong lake as it occupied multiple heights, deployed more troops, and brought in more weaponry including tanks and anti-tank guided missiles. Also read: India bans 118 more Chinese mobile apps, including PUBG Three days on, the situation in Ladakh continues to be sensitive. Development number 1 India has hit China where it hurts the most. Earlier this evening, India banned 118 chinese mobile applications. New Delhi said that the apps were "prejudicial to sovereignty and intergrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order." Among them is popular gaming app PUBG. The app is owned by Chinese conglomerate Tencent. It has over 175 million downloads in India. While there are no confirmed numbers on the revenue generated from India, Sensor Tower data claims that India accounts for 24 per cent of PUBG's downloads. Earlier, India had banned TikTok, Shein and 104 other Chinese apps. The recent ban takes the total to 224. That's the number of Chinese apps that have been thrown out of the Indian market. Also watch: China to double nuclear warheads in the next decade Development number 2 India and China held brigade commander level talks earlier today. These talks were aimed at defusing tensions. It was the third such dialogue in the last three days. Eventhough each round lasted for over six hours, they have not really been fruitful. Sources have told WION that today's talks too were inconclusive. India has told China to disengage from the north bank of Pangong lake. We have been told that talks are likely to take place tomorrow as well. Development number 3 This one is from Washington. The United States has called out China for its border aggression. The US State department has said that the Chinese Communist Party is trying to "repress its own people and bully its neighbours." Washington said that the only way to stop the Chinese provocation is by standing up to China. Development number 4 A report published by US news said that the American intelligence assessment believes that China deliberately provoked India in southern Ladakh. The report states that Beijing remains enraged that its local commander withdrew forces when a physical conflict appeared imminent. Development number 5 Beijing has had no reaction on the app bans. However, speaking at a foreign ministery press conference, Chinese spokesperson Hua Chunying said that apparently it was India that crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The problem, however, is there is no real border between India and China. The two countries follow two very different LAC. The two countries have been engaged in a stand-off for 17 weeks now. The opening of new fronts is a lesson on the relapsing problems that can arise from an undefined border, especially when dealing with an expansionist neighbour like China.

China's tries to change status quo at Ladakh; India responds

Two months after violent clashes along Line of Actual Control between the Chinese troops and the Indian armed forces, fresh clashes have been reported at Pangong Tso in Ladakh. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-thwarts-fresh-chinese-attempt-to-alter-status-quo-in-ladakh-beijing-is-still-in-denial-324213">Also read | India thwarts fresh Chinese attempt to alter status quo in Ladakh. Beijing is still in denial</a> 
 
And the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has demanded India withdraw troops from their shared border, its military spokesman said on Monday.

This statement from the Chinese army came after fresh clashes were reported between India and China troops in Pangong Tso, Eastern Ladakh.

According to the Army's statement, Chinese troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo.

The Chinese military spokesman said China is taking countermeasures and will safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two months after violent clashes along Line of Actual Control between the Chinese troops and the Indian armed forces, fresh clashes have been reported at Pangong Tso in Ladakh.

Two months after violent clashes along Line of Actual Control between the Chinese troops and the Indian armed forces, fresh clashes have been reported at Pangong Tso in Ladakh. Also read | India thwarts fresh Chinese attempt to alter status quo in Ladakh. Beijing is still in denial And the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has demanded India withdraw troops from their shared border, its military spokesman said on Monday. This statement from the Chinese army came after fresh clashes were reported between India and China troops in Pangong Tso, Eastern Ladakh. According to the Army's statement, Chinese troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo. The Chinese military spokesman said China is taking countermeasures and will safeguard its territorial sovereignty. (With inputs from agencies)

China demands India withdraw troops from border to avoid escalation

India foiled an attempt by Chinese troops to change the status quo on their disputed border -- the Line of Actual Control (LAC) --&nbsp;in a fresh flare-up between the two nuclear-armed nations.

But China refuted India's statement, claiming its troops "never cross the line of actual control".

Army Spokesperson Col Aman Anand on Monday said troops from China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) "violated" the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements on the ongoing standoff in eastern Ladakh, and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo on the night of August 29/30.

"On the Night of 29/30 August 2020, PLA troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo," the Indian army said in a statement.

It said Indian soldiers foiled the Chinese bid to "unilaterally change facts on the ground."

For months, troops have been locked in a face-off in the western Himalayas where both sides accuse the other of violating the Line of Actual Control, or the de facto border.

The Indian army said the latest flare-up took place along&nbsp;the high altitude Pangong Tso lake.

"Indian troops pre-empted this PLA activity on the southern bank of Pangong Tso Lake, undertook measures to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground," it said.

To this end, the Chinese foreign ministry said the Chinese border troops "never cross the line of actual control", adding both sides are in communication regarding the situation on the ground.

It is the first major incident involving the troops of the two countries after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. China also suffered casualties but it is yet to make the details public but according to an American intelligence report it was 35.

India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh.

The two sides began a process of disengagement on July 6, a day after a telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in eastern Ladakh.

However, the process has not moved forward since mid-July.

The PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward in Pangong Tso, Depsang and a couple of other areas.

At the five rounds of Corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April.

The face-off began on May 5 following violent clashes between the two armies in the Pangong lake area. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Prior to the clashes, both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

Even as both sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks, the Indian Army stepped up its strength in all key areas along the LAC to deal with any eventualities.

Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army, overseeing the operation of the frontline formations along the LAC, to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", sources said.

The tension between the two sides escalated manifold after the Galwan Valley clashes.

Following the incident, the government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC.

The Army sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizeable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

India foiled an attempt by Chinese troops to change the status quo on their disputed border -- the Line of Actual Control (LAC) -- in a fresh flare-up between the two nuclear-armed nations.

India foiled an attempt by Chinese troops to change the status quo on their disputed border -- the Line of Actual Control (LAC) -- in a fresh flare-up between the two nuclear-armed nations. But China refuted India's statement, claiming its troops "never cross the line of actual control". Army Spokesperson Col Aman Anand on Monday said troops from China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) "violated" the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements on the ongoing standoff in eastern Ladakh, and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo on the night of August 29/30. "On the Night of 29/30 August 2020, PLA troops violated the previous consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo," the Indian army said in a statement. It said Indian soldiers foiled the Chinese bid to "unilaterally change facts on the ground." For months, troops have been locked in a face-off in the western Himalayas where both sides accuse the other of violating the Line of Actual Control, or the de facto border. The Indian army said the latest flare-up took place along the high altitude Pangong Tso lake. "Indian troops pre-empted this PLA activity on the southern bank of Pangong Tso Lake, undertook measures to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground," it said. To this end, the Chinese foreign ministry said the Chinese border troops "never cross the line of actual control", adding both sides are in communication regarding the situation on the ground. It is the first major incident involving the troops of the two countries after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. China also suffered casualties but it is yet to make the details public but according to an American intelligence report it was 35. India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks in the last two-and-half months but no significant headway has been made for a resolution to the border row in eastern Ladakh. The two sides began a process of disengagement on July 6, a day after a telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in eastern Ladakh. However, the process has not moved forward since mid-July. The PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward in Pangong Tso, Depsang and a couple of other areas. At the five rounds of Corps commander-level talks, the Indian side has been insisting on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to April. The face-off began on May 5 following violent clashes between the two armies in the Pangong lake area. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). Prior to the clashes, both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. Even as both sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks, the Indian Army stepped up its strength in all key areas along the LAC to deal with any eventualities. Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army, overseeing the operation of the frontline formations along the LAC, to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", sources said. The tension between the two sides escalated manifold after the Galwan Valley clashes. Following the incident, the government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizeable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases. (with inputs from agencies)

India thwarts fresh Chinese attempt to alter status quo in Ladakh. Beijing is still in denial

China is developing two air defence positions that will cover the 2017 Doklam stand-off area and also Naku La in Sikkim, new satellite imagery has suggested.

A prominent Twitter handle that posts satellite imagery --&nbsp;@Detresfa_ --&nbsp;made a post on Friday that put out a few images as part of a joint study with Sim Tack of the geopolitical intelligence platform Stratfor.&nbsp;

The handle said the location is near the China, Bhutan and India tri-junction at Doklam, where New Delhi and Beijing were locked in a stand-off in 2017.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Investigations with <a href="https://twitter.com/SimTack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SimTack</a> of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Doklam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Doklam</a> region in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bhutan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bhutan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> tri junction area present new evidence of PLA air defense infrastructure being constructed roughly 50 Kms from known clash points of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaChinaStandoff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaChinaStandoff</a> of 2017 &amp; 2020 <a href="https://t.co/5JWFZaoXrX">pic.twitter.com/5JWFZaoXrX</a>
— d-atis☠️ (@detresfa_) <a href="https://twitter.com/detresfa_/status/1299304728031932416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The defence infrastructure is being constructed roughly 50 km from the 2017 stand-off site, and also Naku La in Sikkim, which witnessed a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers this year.

India and China had disengaged in Doklam in 2017 after a 73-day stand-off, but the People's Liberation Army (PLA) continues to dominate the areas it had ventured into.

If true, the Chinese efforts to build air defence sites along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) come amid deepening tensions with India.

(DISCLAIMER: Wionews.com cannot independently verify the authenticity of the imagery.)

China is developing two air defence positions that will cover the 2017 Doklam stand-off area and also Naku La in Sikkim, new satellite imagery has suggested. A prominent Twitter handle that posts satellite imagery -- @Detresfa_ -- made a post on Friday that put out a few images as part of a joint study with Sim Tack of the geopolitical intelligence platform Stratfor.

China is developing two air defence positions that will cover the 2017 Doklam stand-off area and also Naku La in Sikkim, new satellite imagery has suggested. A prominent Twitter handle that posts satellite imagery -- @Detresfa_ -- made a post on Friday that put out a few images as part of a joint study with Sim Tack of the geopolitical intelligence platform Stratfor. The handle said the location is near the China, Bhutan and India tri-junction at Doklam, where New Delhi and Beijing were locked in a stand-off in 2017. Investigations with @SimTack of the #Doklam region in the #China, #Bhutan, #India tri junction area present new evidence of PLA air defense infrastructure being constructed roughly 50 Kms from known clash points of the #IndiaChinaStandoff of 2017 & 2020 pic.twitter.com/5JWFZaoXrX — d-atis☠️ (@detresfa_) August 28, 2020 × The defence infrastructure is being constructed roughly 50 km from the 2017 stand-off site, and also Naku La in Sikkim, which witnessed a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers this year. India and China had disengaged in Doklam in 2017 after a 73-day stand-off, but the People's Liberation Army (PLA) continues to dominate the areas it had ventured into. If true, the Chinese efforts to build air defence sites along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) come amid deepening tensions with India. (DISCLAIMER: Wionews.com cannot independently verify the authenticity of the imagery.)

China building missile air defence sites near Doklam, Naku La ‘clash points’, satellite imagery shows

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis would be unveiled outside a medical school in North China next month. He is revered in China for his contributions during the Chinese revolution headed by its founder Mao Zedong and the World War II.

Kotnis, who hailed from Sholapur in Maharashtra came to China in 1938 as part of a five-member team of doctors sent by the Indian National Congress to help the Chinese during World War II. He joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1942 and died the same year at the age of 32.

The bronze statue of Kotnis, known in China as Ke Dihua, would be formally unveiled at the medical school at Shijiazhuang in September, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

Kotnis' medical assistance during the difficult days of the Chinese revolution was praised by Chinese leader Mao Zedong. His status and memorials were also set in some of the Chinese cities in recognition of his services. 
He is married to Chinese national Guo Qinglan, who died in 2012.

Apart from the school named after him as the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, there are memorials of Kotnis in both Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, and Tangxian county where he once worked.

Late Chinese leader Mao Zedong was deeply affected by his death, the report said.

Mao wrote in his eulogy that "the army has lost a helping hand, the nation has lost a friend. Let us always bear in mind his internationalist spirit".

According to Liu Wenzhu, an official of the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, since the founding of the school in 1992 more than 45,000 medical professionals have graduated from it.

Each of the new students and staff must swear in front of a stone statue of Kotnis that they would work like him, he said.

Liu hopes that Kotnis will be remembered not only as a symbol inspiring medical students to work hard, but also an eternal bond between the people of China and India.

"We are the world's two most populous countries. We should always be friends, coexisting peacefully," he told Xinhua.&nbsp;

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis would be unveiled outside a medical school in North China next month. He is revered in China for his contributions during the Chinese revolution headed by its founder Mao Zedong and the World War II.

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis would be unveiled outside a medical school in North China next month. He is revered in China for his contributions during the Chinese revolution headed by its founder Mao Zedong and the World War II. Kotnis, who hailed from Sholapur in Maharashtra came to China in 1938 as part of a five-member team of doctors sent by the Indian National Congress to help the Chinese during World War II. He joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1942 and died the same year at the age of 32. The bronze statue of Kotnis, known in China as Ke Dihua, would be formally unveiled at the medical school at Shijiazhuang in September, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. Kotnis' medical assistance during the difficult days of the Chinese revolution was praised by Chinese leader Mao Zedong. His status and memorials were also set in some of the Chinese cities in recognition of his services. He is married to Chinese national Guo Qinglan, who died in 2012. Apart from the school named after him as the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, there are memorials of Kotnis in both Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, and Tangxian county where he once worked. Late Chinese leader Mao Zedong was deeply affected by his death, the report said. Mao wrote in his eulogy that "the army has lost a helping hand, the nation has lost a friend. Let us always bear in mind his internationalist spirit". According to Liu Wenzhu, an official of the Shijiazhuang Ke Dihua Medical Science Secondary Specialised School, since the founding of the school in 1992 more than 45,000 medical professionals have graduated from it. Each of the new students and staff must swear in front of a stone statue of Kotnis that they would work like him, he said. Liu hopes that Kotnis will be remembered not only as a symbol inspiring medical students to work hard, but also an eternal bond between the people of China and India. "We are the world's two most populous countries. We should always be friends, coexisting peacefully," he told Xinhua.

China to unveil bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis

China's policies of expansionism and aggression seem to be backfiring. In an effort to exude power, Beijing has painted itself in a corner and is now without any allies.

China is running a multimillion dollar misinformation campaign.&nbsp;Chinese propaganda is an organised and orchestrated effort.

Some tweets by Chinese diplomats, the Chinese state and the Chinese media look genuine on first look, but all of hose are fake which were posted from fake accounts when the border standoff was at its worst point.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-psychological-warfare-against-india-on-social-media-323538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China's four distinct methods

Number one: through fake accounts. Some of them impersonating well known news platforms.

Number two: through bots. They amplify a message.

Number three: through the state media. Pushing a well crafted narrative.

Number four: through chinese diplomats themselves.

The interesting thing is that social media platforms such as&nbsp;Twitter are banned in China. However, WION's investigation has found out&nbsp;that the Chinese government has an inventory of fake accounts and many of these are being used to spread disinformation against India.

Around 5,000 suspected fake Chinese Twitter accounts were repurposed to spread disinformation. They were tweeting about the coronavirus and the Hong Kong protests, but suddenly they switched subjects and started running disinformation on the border standoff, the situation in ladakh and on the boycott calls of Chinese products.

Out of the 5,000 suspected fake Chinese accounts, 1,500 were allegedly created in the last five months and another 1,000 in the last 12 months.

The Twitter account of&nbsp;Radio Free Asia, a US government funded broadcaster, is fake. The account has a post that shows a fake photograph of dead Indian soldiers — a picture that has been&nbsp;shared by multiple accounts. The idea behind these posts is to show how India suffered at the hands of the Chinese, but all&nbsp;of these stories are fake.

Cchinese diplomats are involved in pushing disinformation against India, and we have proof. Some tweets from a Chinese Consul General posted in Karachi show him&nbsp;accusing India of “provoking conflicts” with China after being instigated by the United States.

ANother one is Lin Jing, the Chinese Consul General in Cape Town. Once again, his tweets&nbsp;blame India for triggering the standoff in Ladakh.

These Chinese diplomats on Twitter are not only pushing the state’s message, but are also&nbsp;following fake accounts&nbsp;who publish disinformation against India.

We have found that more than 7,000 fake Twitter accounts have links to Chinese diplomats, and this&nbsp;includes Zhao Lijian too, the spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry — better known as the 'wolf warrior in chief'.

There are several such fake accounts and they are being followed&nbsp;by Chinese diplomats. The network of accounts&nbsp;have been caught sharing the same fake photographs of Indian soldiers.

The 'main-man' behind this network of lies and fake accounts comes from the top. This wolf warrior brand of diplomacy and these disinformation campaigns on social media are all&nbsp;run under direct supervision of the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Why do we say this? We will give you the answer in the second part of our investigation.

China's policies of expansionism and aggression seem to be backfiring. In an effort to exude power, Beijing has painted itself in a corner and is now without any allies.

China's policies of expansionism and aggression seem to be backfiring. In an effort to exude power, Beijing has painted itself in a corner and is now without any allies. China is running a multimillion dollar misinformation campaign. Chinese propaganda is an organised and orchestrated effort. Some tweets by Chinese diplomats, the Chinese state and the Chinese media look genuine on first look, but all of hose are fake which were posted from fake accounts when the border standoff was at its worst point. China's four distinct methods Number one: through fake accounts. Some of them impersonating well known news platforms. Number two: through bots. They amplify a message. Number three: through the state media. Pushing a well crafted narrative. Number four: through chinese diplomats themselves. The interesting thing is that social media platforms such as Twitter are banned in China. However, WION's investigation has found out that the Chinese government has an inventory of fake accounts and many of these are being used to spread disinformation against India. Around 5,000 suspected fake Chinese Twitter accounts were repurposed to spread disinformation. They were tweeting about the coronavirus and the Hong Kong protests, but suddenly they switched subjects and started running disinformation on the border standoff, the situation in ladakh and on the boycott calls of Chinese products. Out of the 5,000 suspected fake Chinese accounts, 1,500 were allegedly created in the last five months and another 1,000 in the last 12 months. The Twitter account of Radio Free Asia, a US government funded broadcaster, is fake. The account has a post that shows a fake photograph of dead Indian soldiers — a picture that has been shared by multiple accounts. The idea behind these posts is to show how India suffered at the hands of the Chinese, but all of these stories are fake. Cchinese diplomats are involved in pushing disinformation against India, and we have proof. Some tweets from a Chinese Consul General posted in Karachi show him accusing India of “provoking conflicts” with China after being instigated by the United States. ANother one is Lin Jing, the Chinese Consul General in Cape Town. Once again, his tweets blame India for triggering the standoff in Ladakh. These Chinese diplomats on Twitter are not only pushing the state’s message, but are also following fake accounts who publish disinformation against India. We have found that more than 7,000 fake Twitter accounts have links to Chinese diplomats, and this includes Zhao Lijian too, the spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry — better known as the 'wolf warrior in chief'. There are several such fake accounts and they are being followed by Chinese diplomats. The network of accounts have been caught sharing the same fake photographs of Indian soldiers. The 'main-man' behind this network of lies and fake accounts comes from the top. This wolf warrior brand of diplomacy and these disinformation campaigns on social media are all run under direct supervision of the Chinese President Xi Jinping. Why do we say this? We will give you the answer in the second part of our investigation.

EXCLUSIVE | WION investigates China's network of fake Twitter accounts

Three months after the stand-off at the Galwan valley, a&nbsp;survey was conducted on India-China relationship by the Chinese mouthpiece, Global Times., and the results show that the Chinese citizens are not happy with the actions of their leaders.

In this survey, it has been revealed that the Chinese citizens like India with more than 50 per cent holding a favorable impression of China. Almost 51 per cent respondents appreciate the Modi government.

Nearly 70 per cent believe the anti-China sentiment in India is excessive. More than 30 per cent feel the ties will improve, and almost nine per cent of the respondents said they see improvement in the short term, while 25 per cent feel&nbsp;things will improve in the long term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-ambassador-wins-seat-international-tribunal-for-law-on-the-sea-323276">Also read: Chinese ambassador wins seat International Tribunal for Law on the Sea</a>

Meanwhile, China’s biggest tech company Huawei is trying to woo India by running big advertisements on all leading dailies of India. Huawei claims to as committed as ever, with india, for India and&nbsp;says it has been doing business in India for 20 years now.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-chinese-citizens-regretting-the-deeds-of-communist-party-323301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reason behind this gesture by Huawei may lie in a report published by the Financial Times earlier this week. The report claims&nbsp;that India is looking to phase out equipment from Huawei and other Chinese players.

Instead of a formal ban, India has reportedly indicated to telecom companies that they should stay away from Chinese gear.

Huawei is already facing a complete ban in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. It is also partially banned in New Zealand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-blocks-release-of-intelligence-documents-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-323085">Also read:&nbsp;Canada court blocks release of intelligence documents to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou</a>

Canada might soon join this list as a Reuters' report states that the country will soon be deciding the fate of Huawei.

But, Canada has delayed a final verdict --- the delay is long enough for huawei to get the message.

Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou is facing extradition proceedings in Canada, with the US hoping to get her custody over alleged violations of Iran sanctions.

While Canada and China are fighting a diplomatic war, Huawei is caught in the crossfire.

So, the advertisements and gestures may be Huawei's trial of saving its position and relationship with India. With Global Times recent survey, Huawei is expected to make a major PR push and they seem to be regretting the decisions of the Communist Party.

Three months after the stand-off at the Galwan valley, a survey was conducted on India-China relationship by the Chinese mouthpiece, Global Times., and the results show that the Chinese citizens are not happy with the actions of their leaders.

Three months after the stand-off at the Galwan valley, a survey was conducted on India-China relationship by the Chinese mouthpiece, Global Times., and the results show that the Chinese citizens are not happy with the actions of their leaders. In this survey, it has been revealed that the Chinese citizens like India with more than 50 per cent holding a favorable impression of China. Almost 51 per cent respondents appreciate the Modi government. Nearly 70 per cent believe the anti-China sentiment in India is excessive. More than 30 per cent feel the ties will improve, and almost nine per cent of the respondents said they see improvement in the short term, while 25 per cent feel things will improve in the long term. Also read: Chinese ambassador wins seat International Tribunal for Law on the Sea Meanwhile, China’s biggest tech company Huawei is trying to woo India by running big advertisements on all leading dailies of India. Huawei claims to as committed as ever, with india, for India and says it has been doing business in India for 20 years now. The reason behind this gesture by Huawei may lie in a report published by the Financial Times earlier this week. The report claims that India is looking to phase out equipment from Huawei and other Chinese players. Instead of a formal ban, India has reportedly indicated to telecom companies that they should stay away from Chinese gear. Huawei is already facing a complete ban in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. It is also partially banned in New Zealand. Also read: Canada court blocks release of intelligence documents to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou Canada might soon join this list as a Reuters' report states that the country will soon be deciding the fate of Huawei. But, Canada has delayed a final verdict --- the delay is long enough for huawei to get the message. Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou is facing extradition proceedings in Canada, with the US hoping to get her custody over alleged violations of Iran sanctions. While Canada and China are fighting a diplomatic war, Huawei is caught in the crossfire. So, the advertisements and gestures may be Huawei's trial of saving its position and relationship with India. With Global Times recent survey, Huawei is expected to make a major PR push and they seem to be regretting the decisions of the Communist Party.

More than 50% Chinese citizens like Modi government: Global Times

India`s steel exports more than doubled between April and July to hit their highest level in at least six years, boosted by a surge of Chinese buying in defiance of tensions between Beijing and New Delhi.

Traders said reduced prices had driven the purchases as Indian sellers sought to get rid of a surplus generated by the impact of COVID-19 on domestic demand and generate much-needed income.

It was unclear whether the sales broke any trade rules, but the China Iron and Steel Association said in a statement it was monitoring them.

Leading Indian steel companies Tata Steel Ltd&nbsp;and JSW Steel Ltd&nbsp;were among Indian companies that sold a total of 4.64 million tonnes of finished and semi-finished steel products on the world market between April and July.

That compared with 1.93 million tonnes shipped in the same period a year earlier, government data analysed by Reuters showed.

Of the 4.64 million tonnes, Vietnam and China bought 1.37 and 1.3 million tonnes of steel respectively. The Chinese purchases are by far the largest since data was first collated in the current form beginning with the fiscal year April 2015-March 2016.

Neither Tata, JSW nor India`s ministries of steel and commerce responded to emails seeking comment.

Vietnam has been a regular buyer of Indian steel, but China`s emergence as a leading buyer, replacing New Delhi`s traditional markets, such as Italy and Belgium, is more surprising.

An already uneasy relationship between New Delhi and Beijing, became severely strained after violent border clashes in June, when 20 Indian soldiers were killed at the disputed Himalayan border.

New Delhi afterwards tightened rules to restrict Chinese investment in India and initiated measures to curb its trade with Beijing.

RHETORIC VERSUS MARKET REALITY

The politics is at odds with market realities.

Although China, the world`s leading steelmaker produces vast quantities, it needs imports as it ramps up infrastructure spending.

Two industry sources, asking not to be named because they are not authorised to talk to the media, said major Indian steelmakers offered a discount of at least $50 a tonne, selling hot-rolled coils and billets to China at $430-$450 per tonne against the $500 offered by most Chinese producers.

Hot-rolled coils, a flat steel product, are mostly used to make pipes, automobile parts, engineering and military equipment.

The China Iron and Steel Association official told Reuters it was paying particular attention to the imports of hot-rolled coils.

During the first four months of the 2020-21 fiscal year, China and Vietnam together bought close to 80% of India`s total hot-rolled coils exports, the data showed, while the product constituted more than 70% of India`s steel exports.

Ji Renjie, a general manager at China`s Ningbo Henghou Group said the company in May bought 30,000 tonnes of hot-rolled coils from India for July shipment and expected to take delivery of another cargo of a similar size in October. "I mainly do iron ore trades and just bought several cargoes of hot-rolled coils this year due to rosy profit margins," Ji told Reuters.

 
AM/NS India, the joint venture between ArcelorMittal&nbsp;and Nippon Steel &lt;5401.T&gt;, in an email also said China had been a big buyer, accounting for 35% of the approximately 0.5 million tonnes of hot-rolled coils it shipped between April and July.

India`s steel exports more than doubled between April and July to hit their highest level in at least six years, boosted by a surge of Chinese buying in defiance of tensions between Beijing and New Delhi.

India`s steel exports more than doubled between April and July to hit their highest level in at least six years, boosted by a surge of Chinese buying in defiance of tensions between Beijing and New Delhi. Traders said reduced prices had driven the purchases as Indian sellers sought to get rid of a surplus generated by the impact of COVID-19 on domestic demand and generate much-needed income. It was unclear whether the sales broke any trade rules, but the China Iron and Steel Association said in a statement it was monitoring them. Leading Indian steel companies Tata Steel Ltd and JSW Steel Ltd were among Indian companies that sold a total of 4.64 million tonnes of finished and semi-finished steel products on the world market between April and July. That compared with 1.93 million tonnes shipped in the same period a year earlier, government data analysed by Reuters showed. Of the 4.64 million tonnes, Vietnam and China bought 1.37 and 1.3 million tonnes of steel respectively. The Chinese purchases are by far the largest since data was first collated in the current form beginning with the fiscal year April 2015-March 2016. Neither Tata, JSW nor India`s ministries of steel and commerce responded to emails seeking comment. Vietnam has been a regular buyer of Indian steel, but China`s emergence as a leading buyer, replacing New Delhi`s traditional markets, such as Italy and Belgium, is more surprising. An already uneasy relationship between New Delhi and Beijing, became severely strained after violent border clashes in June, when 20 Indian soldiers were killed at the disputed Himalayan border. New Delhi afterwards tightened rules to restrict Chinese investment in India and initiated measures to curb its trade with Beijing. RHETORIC VERSUS MARKET REALITY The politics is at odds with market realities. Although China, the world`s leading steelmaker produces vast quantities, it needs imports as it ramps up infrastructure spending. Two industry sources, asking not to be named because they are not authorised to talk to the media, said major Indian steelmakers offered a discount of at least $50 a tonne, selling hot-rolled coils and billets to China at $430-$450 per tonne against the $500 offered by most Chinese producers. Hot-rolled coils, a flat steel product, are mostly used to make pipes, automobile parts, engineering and military equipment. The China Iron and Steel Association official told Reuters it was paying particular attention to the imports of hot-rolled coils. During the first four months of the 2020-21 fiscal year, China and Vietnam together bought close to 80% of India`s total hot-rolled coils exports, the data showed, while the product constituted more than 70% of India`s steel exports. Ji Renjie, a general manager at China`s Ningbo Henghou Group said the company in May bought 30,000 tonnes of hot-rolled coils from India for July shipment and expected to take delivery of another cargo of a similar size in October. "I mainly do iron ore trades and just bought several cargoes of hot-rolled coils this year due to rosy profit margins," Ji told Reuters. AM/NS India, the joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel <5401.T>, in an email also said China had been a big buyer, accounting for 35% of the approximately 0.5 million tonnes of hot-rolled coils it shipped between April and July.

Defying trade tensions, Chinese buyers snap up Indian steel

India has been insisting that the border standoff with China must be resolved in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols for border management between the two countries.

All standoffs in last decade defused peacefully: EAM S Jaishankar

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