India has withdrawn from multilateral "Kavkaz 2020 exercise" that was to take place in Russia over Chinese presence and the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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A government source told WION it is "not the correct time to be seen participating with" Chinese force and of course the COVID-19 pandemic being the other worry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-had-deployed-t-15-tanks-in-tibet-well-ahead-of-galwan-clash-intelligence-report-319729">Also Read -&nbsp;China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report</a>

"Russia and India are close and privileged strategic partners. At Russia's invitation India has been participating in many international events. However, in view of pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangement of logistics, India has decided not to send contingent this year to Kavkaz-2020, the same has been informed to the Russian side," India's defence minister said in a statement.

China and Pakistan will be participating in the exercise. It is taking place from September 15 to 27th.&nbsp;

After the India-China violent face-off on June 15 in Galwan in eastern Ladakh, New Delhi has been taking tough action against Chinese companies including other measures.&nbsp;

Amid India's refusal not to take part in the Russian exercise involving China, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Moscow next wek for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO defence ministers meet.

India has withdrawn from multilateral "Kavkaz 2020 exercise" that was to take place in Russia over Chinese presence and the coronavirus crisis. Watch: A government source told WION it is "not the correct time to be seen participating with" Chinese force and of course the COVID-19 pandemic being the other worry.

India has withdrawn from multilateral "Kavkaz 2020 exercise" that was to take place in Russia over Chinese presence and the coronavirus crisis. Watch: A government source told WION it is "not the correct time to be seen participating with" Chinese force and of course the COVID-19 pandemic being the other worry. Also Read - China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report "Russia and India are close and privileged strategic partners. At Russia's invitation India has been participating in many international events. However, in view of pandemic and consequent difficulties in exercise, including arrangement of logistics, India has decided not to send contingent this year to Kavkaz-2020, the same has been informed to the Russian side," India's defence minister said in a statement. China and Pakistan will be participating in the exercise. It is taking place from September 15 to 27th. After the India-China violent face-off on June 15 in Galwan in eastern Ladakh, New Delhi has been taking tough action against Chinese companies including other measures. Amid India's refusal not to take part in the Russian exercise involving China, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Moscow next wek for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO defence ministers meet.

India withdraws from Russian exercises over Chinese presence

India's ministry of external affairs said today that the eighteenth meeting of India-China Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held earlier on Thursday.&nbsp;

"The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the existing situation in border areas," MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava said.

India and China reaffirmed that in "accordance with the agreements reached between the two foreign ministers and the two special representatives, the two sides will continue to sincerely work towards complete disengagement along the LAC."

The two sides also acknowledged the need to maintain close communication through both "diplomatic and military channels". The MEA added that the two sides have agreed to resolve "outstanding issues expeditiously".&nbsp;

India and China relations have gone downhill since the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action, although the Chinese side has suffered casualties as well, however, China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualties.

Both sides have engaged in a series of diplomatic and military talks since the clash at Galwan in an attempt to calm the situation on the ground as disengagement of troops at Galwan began in earnest.

However, reports said that China has augmented surveillance in the central sector of the Indian Army and has upgraded its surveillance system in Uttrakahand.&nbsp;

India's ministry of external affairs said today that the eighteenth meeting of India-China Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held earlier on Thursday.

India's ministry of external affairs said today that the eighteenth meeting of India-China Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held earlier on Thursday. "The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the existing situation in border areas," MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava said. India and China reaffirmed that in "accordance with the agreements reached between the two foreign ministers and the two special representatives, the two sides will continue to sincerely work towards complete disengagement along the LAC." The two sides also acknowledged the need to maintain close communication through both "diplomatic and military channels". The MEA added that the two sides have agreed to resolve "outstanding issues expeditiously". India and China relations have gone downhill since the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action, although the Chinese side has suffered casualties as well, however, China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualties. Both sides have engaged in a series of diplomatic and military talks since the clash at Galwan in an attempt to calm the situation on the ground as disengagement of troops at Galwan began in earnest. However, reports said that China has augmented surveillance in the central sector of the Indian Army and has upgraded its surveillance system in Uttrakahand.

India-China standoff: India, China agreed to work towards complete disengagement along LAC at WMCC meet: MEA

India will give a befitting reply if an enemy country attacks it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, sending a clear message to China in the midst of the border row in eastern Ladakh.

Without naming any country, the defence minister, in a message to armed forces on the eve of the Independence Day, said anyone daring to occupy India's land has to suffer heavy consequences.

He said India believes in winning hearts and not land, but it does not mean the country will let hurt its self-esteem.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-in-covid-19-times-invites-only-no-school-children-6-feet-distance-320525" hreflang="en">Independence Day in COVID-19 times: Invites only, no school children &amp; 6 feet distance</a>

"Today the country is confident that no force can occupy even one inch of land while you are deployed. If anyone dares to do it, then he has to suffer heavy consequences and will continue to suffer," Singh said.

He said whatever India does in the realm of national security is always for self-defence and not to attack other countries. 
"If enemy country attacks us, then we will give a befitting reply like every time," he said.

"History is a witness to the fact that India never attacked anyone or tried to capture land of another country," Singh added.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-itbp-troops-responded-fiercely-to-chinas-army-at-galwan-recommended-for-gallantry-medals-320496" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: When ITBP responded fiercely to China's army at Galwan</a>

He assured the armed forces that government is doing all that is required to maintain their operational requirement.

Singh also paid "special tributes" to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15.

"This country can never forget their bravery and their supreme sacrifice. I want to assure their families that they are not alone, the whole country stands with them," he said.

Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese armies in Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details.

"Our forces are pioneers in the defending the nation. I assure you that the government is doing all that is necessary to keep your morale high and fulfill your operational requirement," Singh said.

Referring to development of infrastructure in border areas, he also mentioned about the construction of a 80-km-long strategically crucial road in Uttarakhand.

India's ties with Nepal came under strain after Singh inaugurated the road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal protested the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through its territory.

Singh said the 8.8-km-long Rohtang tunnel is likely to be completed by September.

The tunnel at Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh is located at a height of over 10,000 feet.

The defence minister also said that the arrival of five Rafale jets to India marked the beginning of a new era in the country's military history.

India will give a befitting reply if an enemy country attacks it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, sending a clear message to China in the midst of the border row in eastern Ladakh.

India will give a befitting reply if an enemy country attacks it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, sending a clear message to China in the midst of the border row in eastern Ladakh. Without naming any country, the defence minister, in a message to armed forces on the eve of the Independence Day, said anyone daring to occupy India's land has to suffer heavy consequences. He said India believes in winning hearts and not land, but it does not mean the country will let hurt its self-esteem. Also see: Independence Day in COVID-19 times: Invites only, no school children & 6 feet distance "Today the country is confident that no force can occupy even one inch of land while you are deployed. If anyone dares to do it, then he has to suffer heavy consequences and will continue to suffer," Singh said. He said whatever India does in the realm of national security is always for self-defence and not to attack other countries. "If enemy country attacks us, then we will give a befitting reply like every time," he said. "History is a witness to the fact that India never attacked anyone or tried to capture land of another country," Singh added. Also read- India-China standoff: When ITBP responded fiercely to China's army at Galwan He assured the armed forces that government is doing all that is required to maintain their operational requirement. Singh also paid "special tributes" to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15. "This country can never forget their bravery and their supreme sacrifice. I want to assure their families that they are not alone, the whole country stands with them," he said. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese armies in Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. "Our forces are pioneers in the defending the nation. I assure you that the government is doing all that is necessary to keep your morale high and fulfill your operational requirement," Singh said. Referring to development of infrastructure in border areas, he also mentioned about the construction of a 80-km-long strategically crucial road in Uttarakhand. India's ties with Nepal came under strain after Singh inaugurated the road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal protested the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through its territory. Singh said the 8.8-km-long Rohtang tunnel is likely to be completed by September. The tunnel at Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh is located at a height of over 10,000 feet. The defence minister also said that the arrival of five Rafale jets to India marked the beginning of a new era in the country's military history.

We will give befitting reply if enemy attacks us: Rajnath Singh

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday.

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", they said.

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-security-officials-seek-four-to-six-dedicated-satellites-along-lac-to-keep-an-eye-on-china-report-318634" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report</a>

In the last three weeks, the Chief of Army Staff held long and elaborate discussions with all the senior commanders responsible for overseeing the Army's operational readiness and deployment along the nearly 3,500 KM-long LAC, the de-facto border between India and China.

The fresh directive to maintain a very high-level of alertness came in the wake of lack of forward movement in implementation of the disengagement process by China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) in several friction points in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Depsang and Gogra.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-report-claiming-chinese-aggression-on-lac-vanishes-from-defence-ministry-website-318599" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website</a>

India has already conveyed to China that there is no option but to restore status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to end the row, the people familiar with the developments said.

While Gen Naravane visited eastern Ladakh in mid-July with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday he held wide-ranging deliberations with senior commanders of the eastern command in Tezpur-based 4 Corps headquarters.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) is also preparing to maintain a relatively very high state of alertness in eastern Ladakh and other sensitive areas.

Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal H S Arora visited a number of air bases in Ladakh on Friday to take stock of the operational preparedness of the force.

Following the Galwan Valley clashes, 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 IAF has been carrying out night time combat air patrols over the eastern Ladakh region in an apparent message to China that it was ready to deal with any eventualities in the mountainous region.

The IAF has also deployed Apache attack choppers as well as Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations in eastern Ladakh.

The Army has already made elaborate plans to maintain current strength of troops and weapons along the LAC during the harsh winter months in eastern Ladakh and all other sensitive areas along the LAC.

The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degree celsius in the winter months. 
The Army is in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops.

India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks aimed at disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh.

On August 2, the two armies held the fifth round of Corps commander-level talks in an effort to expedite the disengagement process. 
At the talks, the Indian side insisted on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to May 5 when the standoff began following a clash between the two armies in Pangong Tso.

The Chinese PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward from the Finger areas in Pangong Tso since mid-July, according to sources.

India has been insisting that China must withdraw its forces from areas between Finger Four and Eight. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers.

The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area.

In the first round of the Corp commander-level talks on June 6, both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley.

However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian army personnel were killed. China has not released information on casualties on its side but according to an American intelligence report it was 35.

The second round of talks took place on June 22.

In the third round of military talks on June 30, both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff.

After the Galwan Valley incident, the government has given the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC.

The Army has 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 sizable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday.

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday. 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", they said. Also read-India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report In the last three weeks, the Chief of Army Staff held long and elaborate discussions with all the senior commanders responsible for overseeing the Army's operational readiness and deployment along the nearly 3,500 KM-long LAC, the de-facto border between India and China. The fresh directive to maintain a very high-level of alertness came in the wake of lack of forward movement in implementation of the disengagement process by China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) in several friction points in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Depsang and Gogra. Also read: India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website India has already conveyed to China that there is no option but to restore status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to end the row, the people familiar with the developments said. While Gen Naravane visited eastern Ladakh in mid-July with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday he held wide-ranging deliberations with senior commanders of the eastern command in Tezpur-based 4 Corps headquarters. The Indian Air Force(IAF) is also preparing to maintain a relatively very high state of alertness in eastern Ladakh and other sensitive areas. Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal H S Arora visited a number of air bases in Ladakh on Friday to take stock of the operational preparedness of the force. Following the Galwan Valley clashes, 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 IAF has been carrying out night time combat air patrols over the eastern Ladakh region in an apparent message to China that it was ready to deal with any eventualities in the mountainous region. The IAF has also deployed Apache attack choppers as well as Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations in eastern Ladakh. The Army has already made elaborate plans to maintain current strength of troops and weapons along the LAC during the harsh winter months in eastern Ladakh and all other sensitive areas along the LAC. The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degree celsius in the winter months. The Army is in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops. India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks aimed at disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh. On August 2, the two armies held the fifth round of Corps commander-level talks in an effort to expedite the disengagement process. At the talks, the Indian side insisted on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to May 5 when the standoff began following a clash between the two armies in Pangong Tso. The Chinese PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward from the Finger areas in Pangong Tso since mid-July, according to sources. India has been insisting that China must withdraw its forces from areas between Finger Four and Eight. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. In the first round of the Corp commander-level talks on June 6, both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley. However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian army personnel were killed. China has not released information on casualties on its side but according to an American intelligence report it was 35. The second round of talks took place on June 22. In the third round of military talks on June 30, both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff. After the Galwan Valley incident, the government has given the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army has 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 sizable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

Indian Army, IAF to maintain very high-level of alertness along LAC: Sources

As India-China border row continues to simmer, newswire ANI quoting defence sources reported that Indian security officials want four to six dedicated satellites to keep a close eye on Chinese military activities along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/present-india-china-standoff-likely-to-be-prolonged-defence-ministry-report-318519">Also Read:&nbsp;Present India-China standoff likely to be prolonged: Defence ministry report</a>

The Indian security officials reportedly want "high-resolution sensors and cameras" in order to keep a close watch on the movement of even small objects and individuals.

Although India already has military satellites at its disposal but it needs to strengthen its capability, ANI reported the defence sources as saying. The Chinese army reportedly mobilized 40,000 troops along the Xinjiang region on its side of the LAC taking the Indian forces by surprise at Leh including the 14 corps commanders.

The Indian defence officials felt that adding more satellites would reduce dependence on foreign associates, ANI reported. The Chinese troops are reportedly refusing to disengage in the Finger along the Pangong Tso lake while seeking to create an observation post at Finger-5.

India had earlier said that Chinese troops had begun building its forces from May 5. India and Chinese troops had earlier clashed at the Galwan Valley on June 15 leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well, however, the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge details.

The ANI report stated that China has undertaken similar build-up in along the LAC opposite Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

As India-China border row continues to simmer, newswire ANI quoting defence sources reported that Indian security officials want four to six dedicated satellites to keep a close eye on Chinese military activities along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

As India-China border row continues to simmer, newswire ANI quoting defence sources reported that Indian security officials want four to six dedicated satellites to keep a close eye on Chinese military activities along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Also Read: Present India-China standoff likely to be prolonged: Defence ministry report The Indian security officials reportedly want "high-resolution sensors and cameras" in order to keep a close watch on the movement of even small objects and individuals. Although India already has military satellites at its disposal but it needs to strengthen its capability, ANI reported the defence sources as saying. The Chinese army reportedly mobilized 40,000 troops along the Xinjiang region on its side of the LAC taking the Indian forces by surprise at Leh including the 14 corps commanders. The Indian defence officials felt that adding more satellites would reduce dependence on foreign associates, ANI reported. The Chinese troops are reportedly refusing to disengage in the Finger along the Pangong Tso lake while seeking to create an observation post at Finger-5. India had earlier said that Chinese troops had begun building its forces from May 5. India and Chinese troops had earlier clashed at the Galwan Valley on June 15 leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well, however, the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge details. The ANI report stated that China has undertaken similar build-up in along the LAC opposite Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report

Two days after India's Ministry of Defence(MoD) posted its June report stating that "a violent faceoff incident took place between the two sides on June 15 resulting in casualties on both sides" in the Galwan Valley, the report has vanished from the news section of the website with a "page not found" URL.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/present-india-china-standoff-likely-to-be-prolonged-defence-ministry-report-318519">Also Read - Present India-China standoff likely to be prolonged: Defence ministry report</a>

In the report, the defence&nbsp;ministry had stated that "the Chinese side transgressed in the area of Kugrang Nala, Gogra and north bank of Pangong Tso lake on 17-18 May."

"The situation in eastern Ladakh arising from unilateral aggression by China continues to be sensitive and requires close monitoring and prompt action based on evolving situation," the ministry had said in its report.

<img alt="Chinese aggression on LAC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad61367e-5324-4d6f-bd43-d5186c5937fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/LAC.JPG" />

On the engagment with China, the report had claimed that "the present standoff is likely to be prolonged" while stating that Chinese aggression had increased along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) especially in the Galwan Valley since May 5.

The report was titled: Chinese aggression on LAC. The link however has gone missing now. In the report, there were also details on order being placed for&nbsp;156 infantry combat vehicles(ICV) with upgraded features for the use of mechanised forces for the Indian Army.

The MoD report also said that ICGS Kanaklata Barua, a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard on June 15 and was based in Kakinada.

The report had revealed that 30 advanced torpedo decoy system(ATDS) Maareech was placed in June costing Rs 761 crores from Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL).

Two days after India's Ministry of Defence(MoD) posted its June report stating that "a violent faceoff incident took place between the two sides on June 15 resulting in casualties on both sides" in the Galwan Valley, the report has vanished from the news section of the website with a "page not found" URL.

Two days after India's Ministry of Defence(MoD) posted its June report stating that "a violent faceoff incident took place between the two sides on June 15 resulting in casualties on both sides" in the Galwan Valley, the report has vanished from the news section of the website with a "page not found" URL. Also Read - Present India-China standoff likely to be prolonged: Defence ministry report In the report, the defence ministry had stated that "the Chinese side transgressed in the area of Kugrang Nala, Gogra and north bank of Pangong Tso lake on 17-18 May." "The situation in eastern Ladakh arising from unilateral aggression by China continues to be sensitive and requires close monitoring and prompt action based on evolving situation," the ministry had said in its report. On the engagment with China, the report had claimed that "the present standoff is likely to be prolonged" while stating that Chinese aggression had increased along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) especially in the Galwan Valley since May 5. The report was titled: Chinese aggression on LAC. The link however has gone missing now. In the report, there were also details on order being placed for 156 infantry combat vehicles(ICV) with upgraded features for the use of mechanised forces for the Indian Army. The MoD report also said that ICGS Kanaklata Barua, a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard on June 15 and was based in Kakinada. The report had revealed that 30 advanced torpedo decoy system(ATDS) Maareech was placed in June costing Rs 761 crores from Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL).

India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website

Owner of Ali Baba Group and one of the richest men in China Jack Ma has been summoned by an Indian district court in a case related to fake news and censorship. In a court filing dated July 20th Pushpandra Singh Parmar, a former employee of Ali Baba Group's UC Web has alleged that the company was censoring content and news that did not favour China. The district court of the Indian state of Haryana's Gurugram city which is hearing the case has issued a summon to Jack Ma. &nbsp;Parmar alleges that the company used to censor content seen as unfavourable to China and its apps UC Browser and UC News showcased false news “to cause social and political turmoil”. Parmar, who worked as an associate director at the UC Web office in Gurugram until October 2017 and is seeking $268,000 in damages.

Atul Ahlawat, the advocate of the petitioner spoke to WION. Here are the edited excerpts from the interview.

What are the charges and what reaction you got from the company and its owner Jack Ma?

This is a civil suit for wrongful termination and my client Pushpandra Singh Parmar who was working as an associate director with the company is seeking damages and compensation to the tune of Rs 2 crore for the wrongful termination. The learned civil judge here at the Gurugram court has issued summons to all the defendants including Jack Ma. The summons is returnable July 29. They can either appear through counsellor in person.&nbsp;

Is Jack Ma going to appear in the court on July 29?

No, till date we have not received any response from the defendants or Jack Ma. We are waiting for 29 which is the next date of hearing. We are expecting someone to appear. Either in person or through a council.&nbsp;

 
The lawsuit contains some sensitive words like Sino-India war and India-China border. Can you explain how exactly they have a place in the lawsuit?&nbsp;

Our petition contains certain specific allegations wherein there were more than 1,500,50 words which were content specific which was used through used a computer programme and whenever somebody typed these words used to be highlighted and app managers of the company used to know about it and the content which the app was showing to them used to then go through a filter system. So, if you write Indo-Pak war 1999 Kargil, they are going to give you those stories which are favourable to Chinese narrative or Chinese interests or even Pakistani interests which were running against the Indian interest and it was not content-neutral like Google or other search engines.

How the case progresses from here on?

Since its a civil suit, there is a possibility that Jack Ma and other defenders do not appear in person but they appear through their council because they are authorised to do so under the law. The case will proceed in a normal manner irrespective of reasonable restrictions that are imposed due to COVID-19. The have to file their return response which written statement &nbsp;within 30 days which can be extended to 90 days if they show reasonable excuse. I expect our application for stay which we have filed on the 20th of July to be taken up on the next date of hearing. We are asking for stay so that they do not alienate their assets in the country because there were reports that they are closing shop in Ind and they are going to alienate and dispose of all their assets which is going to frustrate my client's rights if that is allowed to happen. So, we will try to impress upon the court that in the time being when the matter is being heard there should be a stay against the defendants so that they do not dispose of their assets in India and do not run away from the country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Owner of Ali Baba Group and one of the richest men in China Jack Ma has been summoned by an Indian district court in a case related to fake news and censorship. In a court filing dated July 20th Pushpandra Singh Parmar, a former employee of Ali Baba Group's UC Web has alleged that the company was censoring content and news that did not favour China.

Owner of Ali Baba Group and one of the richest men in China Jack Ma has been summoned by an Indian district court in a case related to fake news and censorship. In a court filing dated July 20th Pushpandra Singh Parmar, a former employee of Ali Baba Group's UC Web has alleged that the company was censoring content and news that did not favour China. The district court of the Indian state of Haryana's Gurugram city which is hearing the case has issued a summon to Jack Ma. Parmar alleges that the company used to censor content seen as unfavourable to China and its apps UC Browser and UC News showcased false news “to cause social and political turmoil”. Parmar, who worked as an associate director at the UC Web office in Gurugram until October 2017 and is seeking $268,000 in damages. Atul Ahlawat, the advocate of the petitioner spoke to WION. Here are the edited excerpts from the interview. What are the charges and what reaction you got from the company and its owner Jack Ma? This is a civil suit for wrongful termination and my client Pushpandra Singh Parmar who was working as an associate director with the company is seeking damages and compensation to the tune of Rs 2 crore for the wrongful termination. The learned civil judge here at the Gurugram court has issued summons to all the defendants including Jack Ma. The summons is returnable July 29. They can either appear through counsellor in person. Is Jack Ma going to appear in the court on July 29? No, till date we have not received any response from the defendants or Jack Ma. We are waiting for 29 which is the next date of hearing. We are expecting someone to appear. Either in person or through a council. The lawsuit contains some sensitive words like Sino-India war and India-China border. Can you explain how exactly they have a place in the lawsuit? Our petition contains certain specific allegations wherein there were more than 1,500,50 words which were content specific which was used through used a computer programme and whenever somebody typed these words used to be highlighted and app managers of the company used to know about it and the content which the app was showing to them used to then go through a filter system. So, if you write Indo-Pak war 1999 Kargil, they are going to give you those stories which are favourable to Chinese narrative or Chinese interests or even Pakistani interests which were running against the Indian interest and it was not content-neutral like Google or other search engines. How the case progresses from here on? Since its a civil suit, there is a possibility that Jack Ma and other defenders do not appear in person but they appear through their council because they are authorised to do so under the law. The case will proceed in a normal manner irrespective of reasonable restrictions that are imposed due to COVID-19. The have to file their return response which written statement within 30 days which can be extended to 90 days if they show reasonable excuse. I expect our application for stay which we have filed on the 20th of July to be taken up on the next date of hearing. We are asking for stay so that they do not alienate their assets in the country because there were reports that they are closing shop in Ind and they are going to alienate and dispose of all their assets which is going to frustrate my client's rights if that is allowed to happen. So, we will try to impress upon the court that in the time being when the matter is being heard there should be a stay against the defendants so that they do not dispose of their assets in India and do not run away from the country.

Jack Ma summon: Petitioner's lawyer seeks stay on disposal of UC Browser's assets in India

India and China have held multiple rounds of disengagement talks but China is not honouring its commitments. The People’s Liberation Army(PLA) is maintaining heavy troop deployment with almost 40,000 Chinese troops stationed close to the border.

The Chinese troops have been supported by heavy weaponry - air defence systems, armoured personnel carriers and long-range artillery.

Chinese troops are still reportedly present in the Fingers region along Pangong lake where India and China had started the disengagement process by creating a buffer zone.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-border-betrayal-de-escalation-stalled-315557/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The northern bank of the Pangong lake resembles the human hand with various protrusions identified as fingers. The problem seems to be at Finger Five from where the Chinese troops are reportedly not moving back.

There are reports of heavy construction in Hot Springs and the Gogra post area - the two friction points in eastern Ladakh sector.

On Friday, both sides are expected to hold a meeting which will be at the foreign ministry level. The last round of military talks happened on July 14-15 as both sides agreed to mutually monitor the disengagement process.

There has been no major progress since then so the disengagement has stalled. The border dispute has pushed the India-China relationship to a new low. India has responded with a series of retaliatory moves. Now, it is working with allies to turn up the heat on Beijing.&nbsp;

India and the United States have reportedly intensified their intelligence and military collaboration with more information and intelligence being shared between both sides. It includes sharing of high-end satellite images, telephone intercepts and data sharing.

On Wednesday, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo accused China of initiating a conflict at the border. The deepening cooperation between America and India was quite apparent in his speech.

India is keeping a tight watch on the movements of Chinese soldiers. New Delhi wants to restore the status quo with a complete pullback of Chinese troops and equipment from the LAC.

India and China have held multiple rounds of disengagement talks but China is not honouring its commitments. The People’s Liberation Army(PLA) is maintaining heavy troop deployment with almost 40,000 Chinese troops stationed close to the border.

India and China have held multiple rounds of disengagement talks but China is not honouring its commitments. The People’s Liberation Army(PLA) is maintaining heavy troop deployment with almost 40,000 Chinese troops stationed close to the border. The Chinese troops have been supported by heavy weaponry - air defence systems, armoured personnel carriers and long-range artillery. Chinese troops are still reportedly present in the Fingers region along Pangong lake where India and China had started the disengagement process by creating a buffer zone. The northern bank of the Pangong lake resembles the human hand with various protrusions identified as fingers. The problem seems to be at Finger Five from where the Chinese troops are reportedly not moving back. There are reports of heavy construction in Hot Springs and the Gogra post area - the two friction points in eastern Ladakh sector. On Friday, both sides are expected to hold a meeting which will be at the foreign ministry level. The last round of military talks happened on July 14-15 as both sides agreed to mutually monitor the disengagement process. There has been no major progress since then so the disengagement has stalled. The border dispute has pushed the India-China relationship to a new low. India has responded with a series of retaliatory moves. Now, it is working with allies to turn up the heat on Beijing. India and the United States have reportedly intensified their intelligence and military collaboration with more information and intelligence being shared between both sides. It includes sharing of high-end satellite images, telephone intercepts and data sharing. On Wednesday, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo accused China of initiating a conflict at the border. The deepening cooperation between America and India was quite apparent in his speech. India is keeping a tight watch on the movements of Chinese soldiers. New Delhi wants to restore the status quo with a complete pullback of Chinese troops and equipment from the LAC.

India-China standoff: PLA troops still stationed along LAC despite disengagement

As Indian and Chinese officials met to discuss the border issues under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC), China said that the two sides "fully affirmed the positive progress made by the frontline border defence forces to disengage from contact and ease the situation on the ground."

It was the seventeenth meeting on border affairs between the two sides.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-pla-troops-still-stationed-along-lac-despite-disengagement-315500">Also Read:&nbsp;India-China standoff: PLA troops still stationed along LAC despite disengagement</a>

China emphasised that it "will maintain bilateral military and diplomatic dialogues" in accordance with the important consensus reached by the "two foreign ministers and special representatives on border issues."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-chinas-border-betrayal-de-escalation-stalled-315557/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Chinese statement comes amid reports of the People's Liberation Army(PLA) not pulling out of the Line of Control(LAC) as it was reportedly halted its movement, China, however, insisted that border issues on the ground will be properly handled &nbsp;and "promote further cooling of the border situation."

The statement added that the two sides will continue to hold meetings on border affairs and "strengthen the building of confidence" in border areas and "jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas."

The minister of external affairs spokesperson, Anurag Shrivastava had earlier said that "respecting and strictly abiding by the LAC is the basis of peace and tranquillity in the border areas."

"Conduct of Chinese forces this year, including the deployment of large body of troops and changes in behaviour, accompanied by unjustified and untenable claims, has been in complete disregard of all the mutual agreements," he added.

India and China decided to disengage after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers had died, although the Chinese side had also suffered casualties as reported by state-run Global Times but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge details. 
&nbsp;

As Indian and Chinese officials met to discuss the border issues under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC), China said that the two sides "fully affirmed the positive progress made by the frontline border defence forces to disengage from contact and ease the situation on the ground.

As Indian and Chinese officials met to discuss the border issues under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC), China said that the two sides "fully affirmed the positive progress made by the frontline border defence forces to disengage from contact and ease the situation on the ground." It was the seventeenth meeting on border affairs between the two sides. Also Read: India-China standoff: PLA troops still stationed along LAC despite disengagement China emphasised that it "will maintain bilateral military and diplomatic dialogues" in accordance with the important consensus reached by the "two foreign ministers and special representatives on border issues." Watch: The Chinese statement comes amid reports of the People's Liberation Army(PLA) not pulling out of the Line of Control(LAC) as it was reportedly halted its movement, China, however, insisted that border issues on the ground will be properly handled and "promote further cooling of the border situation." The statement added that the two sides will continue to hold meetings on border affairs and "strengthen the building of confidence" in border areas and "jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas." The minister of external affairs spokesperson, Anurag Shrivastava had earlier said that "respecting and strictly abiding by the LAC is the basis of peace and tranquillity in the border areas." "Conduct of Chinese forces this year, including the deployment of large body of troops and changes in behaviour, accompanied by unjustified and untenable claims, has been in complete disregard of all the mutual agreements," he added. India and China decided to disengage after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers had died, although the Chinese side had also suffered casualties as reported by state-run Global Times but the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge details.

India-China standoff: Will maintain bilateral military dialogue and promote further cooling at the border: China on WMCC talks with India

India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh

After conducting talks with Indian officials on Friday under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, China said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue amid the disengagement process after clashes at Galwan Valley last month.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-standoff-chinese-troops-pull-back-from-2-points-at-pangong-tso-311784/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The talks come as Indian and Chinese troops disengaged along the LAC&nbsp;after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as reported by the state-run Global Times but the Chinese foreign ministry hasn't revealed the casualty figures.

The Chinese government in a statement said that "both sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on the recent Sino-Indian border situation and made positive progress in easing the situation on the ground."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-find-fair-and-reasonable-solution-says-chinese-envoy-amid-india-china-talks-post-galwan-clash-312283">Also Read:&nbsp;Need to find fair and reasonable solution, says Chinese envoy amid India-China talks</a>

"The two sides expressed that they will seriously implement the important consensus reached by the foreign ministers of the two countries and the special representatives on the border issue." it added.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) had said earlier today that it had completely withdrawn from the Gogra and Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh after mutually agreed upon disengagement process.

"The two sides fully affirmed the positive progress made by the border defence forces of the two countries in implementing the various consensus at the military-level talks and easing the &nbsp;situation on the ground," the Chinese statement said, adding, "They agreed to continue to maintain dialogue and consultations on the military and diplomatic channels, promote further cooling of the situation on the ground and strengthen confidence-building measures in the border areas."

China said the issues should be "promptly and properly" handled to "avoid the rise of differences into disputes."

India's National Security Advisor(NSA) and China's foreign minister Wang Yi had earlier in the week engaged in a two-hour long talks over the phone to discuss the border situation in the wake of the clashes at the border with both sides asserting that disengagement along the LAC held the key to peace at the border. 
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After conducting talks with Indian officials on Friday under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, China said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue amid the disengagement process after clashes at Galwan Valley last month.

After conducting talks with Indian officials on Friday under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on border affairs, China said that both sides will continue to maintain dialogue amid the disengagement process after clashes at Galwan Valley last month. Watch: The talks come as Indian and Chinese troops disengaged along the LAC after the clash at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as reported by the state-run Global Times but the Chinese foreign ministry hasn't revealed the casualty figures. The Chinese government in a statement said that "both sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on the recent Sino-Indian border situation and made positive progress in easing the situation on the ground." Also Read: Need to find fair and reasonable solution, says Chinese envoy amid India-China talks "The two sides expressed that they will seriously implement the important consensus reached by the foreign ministers of the two countries and the special representatives on the border issue." it added. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) had said earlier today that it had completely withdrawn from the Gogra and Hot Springs area in eastern Ladakh after mutually agreed upon disengagement process. "The two sides fully affirmed the positive progress made by the border defence forces of the two countries in implementing the various consensus at the military-level talks and easing the situation on the ground," the Chinese statement said, adding, "They agreed to continue to maintain dialogue and consultations on the military and diplomatic channels, promote further cooling of the situation on the ground and strengthen confidence-building measures in the border areas." China said the issues should be "promptly and properly" handled to "avoid the rise of differences into disputes." India's National Security Advisor(NSA) and China's foreign minister Wang Yi had earlier in the week engaged in a two-hour long talks over the phone to discuss the border situation in the wake of the clashes at the border with both sides asserting that disengagement along the LAC held the key to peace at the border.

India-China standoff: Both sides will handle issues, maintain dialogue, says China after border talks with India

Amid the disengagement talks between India and China, the Chinese ambassador to India&nbsp;Sun Weidong&nbsp;said today that both countries need peace rather than confrontation.

"China and India should be partners, rather than rivals," the envoy asserted.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-vs-china-the-race-to-build-more-roads-at-the-border-312087/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Development and revitalization is the top priority for China's long term strategic interest," he added. "We are neither a war-like state nor an assertive country," he said, adding, "two countries pose no threat to each other."

Indian and Chinese officials are currently conducting&nbsp;a virtual meeting under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India-China border affairs amid disengagement of troops by both sides along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

"The boundary question left over by history&nbsp;is sensitive and complicated. We need to find a fair and&nbsp;reasonable solution mutually acceptable through equal consultation and&nbsp;peaceful negotiation," the Chinese envoy added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-disengagement-on-track-at-pangong-tso-roadmap-to-be-set-311956">Also Read:&nbsp;India-China standoff: Disengagement on track at Pangong Tso; roadmap to be set</a>

Meanwhile, the Chinese Army today completed its withdrawal of troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh. Reports say that both countries have completed creating a buffer zone in Galwan Valley, Gogra and Hot Springs which was the scene of the clash between Chinese and Indian troops on June 15.

The latest disengagement moves come after talks between India's National security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and China's foreign minister Wang Yi who had a two-hour long meeting amid tensions at the border.

On Thursday, India and Chinese troops had completed their disengagement with Chinese troops pulling back by approximately 2 kms from the Line of Control(LAC). Both sides also pulled back from Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh.

Indian officials had earlier said that China was amassing troops at the border since May. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian while backing the disengagement moves currently underway since Monday said that he hoped "India will work together &nbsp;to take concrete action and implement the consensus reached and jointly work for de-escalation along the border".

Amid the disengagement talks between India and China, the Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong said today that both countries need peace rather than confrontation.

Amid the disengagement talks between India and China, the Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong said today that both countries need peace rather than confrontation. "China and India should be partners, rather than rivals," the envoy asserted. Watch: "Development and revitalization is the top priority for China's long term strategic interest," he added. "We are neither a war-like state nor an assertive country," he said, adding, "two countries pose no threat to each other." Indian and Chinese officials are currently conducting a virtual meeting under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India-China border affairs amid disengagement of troops by both sides along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). "The boundary question left over by history is sensitive and complicated. We need to find a fair and reasonable solution mutually acceptable through equal consultation and peaceful negotiation," the Chinese envoy added. Also Read: India-China standoff: Disengagement on track at Pangong Tso; roadmap to be set Meanwhile, the Chinese Army today completed its withdrawal of troops from two more face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh. Reports say that both countries have completed creating a buffer zone in Galwan Valley, Gogra and Hot Springs which was the scene of the clash between Chinese and Indian troops on June 15. The latest disengagement moves come after talks between India's National security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and China's foreign minister Wang Yi who had a two-hour long meeting amid tensions at the border. On Thursday, India and Chinese troops had completed their disengagement with Chinese troops pulling back by approximately 2 kms from the Line of Control(LAC). Both sides also pulled back from Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh. Indian officials had earlier said that China was amassing troops at the border since May. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian while backing the disengagement moves currently underway since Monday said that he hoped "India will work together to take concrete action and implement the consensus reached and jointly work for de-escalation along the border".

Need to find fair and reasonable solution, says Chinese envoy amid India-China talks post-Galwan clash

On Monday&nbsp;China unleashed an arsenal of hyperbole, disinformation and propaganda to&nbsp;defend its border incursions in Ladakh.

However, in its attempt&nbsp;to spin the story in its favour China ended up revealing the truth about the standoff in Ladakh on how it tried to cross into Indian territory and swallow Indian land.&nbsp;

The story was beamed on Monday night on Chinese state television. The clip was from CCTV-4. It is one of the six channels owned by China Central Television(CCTV), the state broadcaster of China which is free to air.

It is one of the channels that can broadcast outside the People's Republic of China. The report was in Mandarin.

It was China's official version or unadulterated propaganda of the standoff in Ladakh.&nbsp;The text in Mandarin has been&nbsp;translated and it said&nbsp;that China and India held&nbsp;the third round of military-level talks. China revealed&nbsp;the truth of the Sino-India border conflict.&nbsp;The PLA&nbsp;tried to enter Indian territory. India knew it for more than two months now and a video from CCTV proved it.&nbsp;

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The news report shows Indian soldiers and the footage was captured by the Chinese. It is an undated clip, however, some reports claim that it was shot in May way before the deadly clashes that killed 20 Indian soldiers and reportedly a much higher and unspecified number of Chinese soldiers.

Now, China is trying to use the&nbsp;footage as propaganda against India. CCTV claimed that India had intruded into Chinese territory and the PLA&nbsp;defended the sovereignty of China.

It is how China is trying to spin the story&nbsp;but a&nbsp;look at the pictures carefully reveals it actually helps India. It proves how India was conducting legitimate construction activity on its side of the border and how the Chinese tried to stop it.

The&nbsp;video is believed to be shot around patrol point 14. The site of the bloody clashes on June 15.&nbsp;At the site, Chinese cameras show a newly constructed Indian helicopter pad.

Two soldiers can be seen building what looks like a small bridge. There are some camps too. All this activity was on the Indian side.

Reports say that it was this construction activity that the PLA&nbsp;tried to block. India has been giving its border infrastructure a boost as&nbsp;it gives a tactical advantage to the Indian forces and boosts India's defences against China's military adventurism.

However, China does not like it&nbsp;but despite the standoff, the work has not stopped. Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the border roads organisation chief. He was given a presentation on the work being done.

On Monday, China began withdrawing its troops from three flashpoints in Ladakh. The Communist Party's newspaper the People's Daily put out the statement from China's foreign ministry.

China's foreign ministry adopted a measured tone. It called on New Delhi to work with China to end the standoff.

First, Beijing tried to spin the coronavirus story.&nbsp;Now, it is trying to spin the story of the India-China standoff.

This video is a propaganda missile which&nbsp;boomeranged.

On Monday China unleashed an arsenal of hyperbole, disinformation and propaganda to defend its border incursions in Ladakh. However, in its attempt to spin the story in its favour China ended up revealing the truth about the standoff in Ladakh on how it tried to cross into Indian territory and swallow Indian land.

On Monday China unleashed an arsenal of hyperbole, disinformation and propaganda to defend its border incursions in Ladakh. However, in its attempt to spin the story in its favour China ended up revealing the truth about the standoff in Ladakh on how it tried to cross into Indian territory and swallow Indian land. The story was beamed on Monday night on Chinese state television. The clip was from CCTV-4. It is one of the six channels owned by China Central Television(CCTV), the state broadcaster of China which is free to air. It is one of the channels that can broadcast outside the People's Republic of China. The report was in Mandarin. It was China's official version or unadulterated propaganda of the standoff in Ladakh. The text in Mandarin has been translated and it said that China and India held the third round of military-level talks. China revealed the truth of the Sino-India border conflict. The PLA tried to enter Indian territory. India knew it for more than two months now and a video from CCTV proved it. The news report shows Indian soldiers and the footage was captured by the Chinese. It is an undated clip, however, some reports claim that it was shot in May way before the deadly clashes that killed 20 Indian soldiers and reportedly a much higher and unspecified number of Chinese soldiers. Now, China is trying to use the footage as propaganda against India. CCTV claimed that India had intruded into Chinese territory and the PLA defended the sovereignty of China. It is how China is trying to spin the story but a look at the pictures carefully reveals it actually helps India. It proves how India was conducting legitimate construction activity on its side of the border and how the Chinese tried to stop it. The video is believed to be shot around patrol point 14. The site of the bloody clashes on June 15. At the site, Chinese cameras show a newly constructed Indian helicopter pad. Two soldiers can be seen building what looks like a small bridge. There are some camps too. All this activity was on the Indian side. Reports say that it was this construction activity that the PLA tried to block. India has been giving its border infrastructure a boost as it gives a tactical advantage to the Indian forces and boosts India's defences against China's military adventurism. However, China does not like it but despite the standoff, the work has not stopped. Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the border roads organisation chief. He was given a presentation on the work being done. On Monday, China began withdrawing its troops from three flashpoints in Ladakh. The Communist Party's newspaper the People's Daily put out the statement from China's foreign ministry. China's foreign ministry adopted a measured tone. It called on New Delhi to work with China to end the standoff. First, Beijing tried to spin the coronavirus story. Now, it is trying to spin the story of the India-China standoff. This video is a propaganda missile which boomeranged.

Chinese state media tries to spin Galwan face-off but ends up revealing the truth

Amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Chinese army has started pulling out troops from certain areas in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. 
 
​​&nbsp;Both militaries have begun disengagement at three flashpoints - Galwan, Hot Springs and Gogra.

"Chinese Army has moved back tents, vehicles, and troops by 1-2 km from locations where disengagement was agreed upon during the commander-level talks," Indian Army sources told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The tensions between both the Asian giants escalated following a violent face-off on June 15, when 20 personnel of the Indian Army were killed in action in the Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties, but it didn't provide the details of it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-chinese-troops-pull-back-2-kms-from-galwan-clash-area-sources-310992">Also Read: Chinese troops remove tents, move back from Galwan Valley</a>

On June 30, the Indian and Chinese armies held the third round of Lt General-level talks during which both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-standoff-chinese-troops-step-back-311233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday, special representatives from both sides held talks over the phone which led to the disengagement along the LAC. India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said that NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas".

India's MEA said that it was also agreed that "NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese FM Wang Yi will continue their conversations to ensure full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-galwan-pullback-after-nsa-dovals-two-hour-phone-call-with-chinese-foreign-minister-311064">Also Read:&nbsp;Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister</a> 
 
However, the situation remains precarious because the issue&nbsp;will persist as long as China makes baseless claims on Indian territory and disregards historical commitments.

China's intentions can't be trusted, and hence, India is taking a slow and steady approach to settle the border dispute. But, smaller steps like today's de-escalation will allow India to keep a better check on China's expansionist designs.

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Chinese army has started pulling out troops from certain areas in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh.

Amid the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh, the Chinese army has started pulling out troops from certain areas in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Both militaries have begun disengagement at three flashpoints - Galwan, Hot Springs and Gogra. "Chinese Army has moved back tents, vehicles, and troops by 1-2 km from locations where disengagement was agreed upon during the commander-level talks," Indian Army sources told WION. The tensions between both the Asian giants escalated following a violent face-off on June 15, when 20 personnel of the Indian Army were killed in action in the Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties, but it didn't provide the details of it. Also Read: Chinese troops remove tents, move back from Galwan Valley On June 30, the Indian and Chinese armies held the third round of Lt General-level talks during which both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff. On Sunday, special representatives from both sides held talks over the phone which led to the disengagement along the LAC. India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said that NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas". India's MEA said that it was also agreed that "NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese FM Wang Yi will continue their conversations to ensure full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols." Also Read: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister However, the situation remains precarious because the issue will persist as long as China makes baseless claims on Indian territory and disregards historical commitments. China's intentions can't be trusted, and hence, India is taking a slow and steady approach to settle the border dispute. But, smaller steps like today's de-escalation will allow India to keep a better check on China's expansionist designs.

India-China standoff: Disengagement begins at three flashpoints

With over 30,000 additional troops deployed in the Ladakh sector along the Line of Actual Control (LoC) to counter the Chinese aggression, the Indian Army is set to place emergency orders for extreme cold weather tents for the soldiers, reported news agency ANI.

According to the report, the need for the tents is being felt as&nbsp;senior officers feel that the stand-off is likely to continue at least till September-October timeframe.

Even if the Chinese withdraw from the locations, we cannot take chances for the future as well. The guard will always have to be up and that is why, we are going to place orders for thousands of tents for extreme cold weather survival in Eastern Ladakh sector, ANI report said quoting a&nbsp; top Army source.

"All along the border, apart from weaponry and ammunition, the major focus of our emergency procurement would be on providing for habitat for soldiers," the source was quoted as saying.

The Chinese have already started pitching in their special winter tents and the Indian side, which has similar tents and structures in Siachen glacier, has used some of these in the Eastern Ladakh sector but the need is for a large number of these tents, the sources said.

The force is looking at both Indian and European markets for such tents as the focus is on to procure them before the extreme cold weather sets in, they said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government has given financial powers of Rs 500 crore per procurement to the defence forces to address any type of shortages of weapons, ammunition and habitat.

The current crisis on China border had started in Ladakh after the Chinese moved in more than 20,000 troops along with heavy weaponry to the Indian front in Eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

With over 30,000 additional troops deployed in the Ladakh sector along the Line of Actual Control (LoC) to counter the Chinese aggression, the Indian Army is set to place emergency orders for extreme cold weather tents for the soldiers, reported news agency ANI.

With over 30,000 additional troops deployed in the Ladakh sector along the Line of Actual Control (LoC) to counter the Chinese aggression, the Indian Army is set to place emergency orders for extreme cold weather tents for the soldiers, reported news agency ANI. According to the report, the need for the tents is being felt as senior officers feel that the stand-off is likely to continue at least till September-October timeframe. Even if the Chinese withdraw from the locations, we cannot take chances for the future as well. The guard will always have to be up and that is why, we are going to place orders for thousands of tents for extreme cold weather survival in Eastern Ladakh sector, ANI report said quoting a top Army source. "All along the border, apart from weaponry and ammunition, the major focus of our emergency procurement would be on providing for habitat for soldiers," the source was quoted as saying. The Chinese have already started pitching in their special winter tents and the Indian side, which has similar tents and structures in Siachen glacier, has used some of these in the Eastern Ladakh sector but the need is for a large number of these tents, the sources said. The force is looking at both Indian and European markets for such tents as the focus is on to procure them before the extreme cold weather sets in, they said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government has given financial powers of Rs 500 crore per procurement to the defence forces to address any type of shortages of weapons, ammunition and habitat. The current crisis on China border had started in Ladakh after the Chinese moved in more than 20,000 troops along with heavy weaponry to the Indian front in Eastern Ladakh. (With inputs from ANI)

Indian Army to place emergency orders for extreme cold weather tents for soldiers on LAC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a surprise visit to eastern Ladakh on Friday to meet troops amid a Sino-India military standoff.

PM Modi, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief M M Naravane, interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP.

PM Modi told the soldiers injured in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley last month that they gave a befitting reply. Interacting with the injured personnel at an Army hospital in Leh, he said their bravery will be a source of inspiration for times to come.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-modi-in-ladakh-prime-minister-makes-clash-a-personal-battle-310585/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Today's visit sent out a clear message to China that India is prepared to take on any threat. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-your-courage-is-higher-than-the-mountains-pm-modi-to-indian-troops-at-ladakh-310351">Also Read: Your courage is higher than the mountains, PM Modi to Indian troops at Ladakh</a>

Launching a firm and veiled swipe at Beijing, PM Modi said that the country has neither bowed before any power of the world nor will it ever do so.

The Indian Prime Minister is facing China challenge head-on. After India imposed a ban on 59 Chinese apps. Modi exited Chinese social media websites by deleting his accounts. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-no-party-should-escalate-tensions-says-china-as-pm-modi-visits-ladakh-310408">Also Read: No party should escalate tensions, says China as PM Modi visits Ladakh</a>

The sudden Ladakh visit caught Beijing by surprise. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that, "China and India are in communication with each other through military and diplomatic channels. Neither side should make any move that may complicate the border situation."

The standoff against China is not ending soon, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit shows that India is ready to dig in for a long haul.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a surprise visit to eastern Ladakh on Friday to meet troops amid a Sino-India military standoff. PM Modi, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief M M Naravane, interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a surprise visit to eastern Ladakh on Friday to meet troops amid a Sino-India military standoff. PM Modi, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief M M Naravane, interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP. PM Modi told the soldiers injured in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley last month that they gave a befitting reply. Interacting with the injured personnel at an Army hospital in Leh, he said their bravery will be a source of inspiration for times to come. Today's visit sent out a clear message to China that India is prepared to take on any threat. Also Read: Your courage is higher than the mountains, PM Modi to Indian troops at Ladakh Launching a firm and veiled swipe at Beijing, PM Modi said that the country has neither bowed before any power of the world nor will it ever do so. The Indian Prime Minister is facing China challenge head-on. After India imposed a ban on 59 Chinese apps. Modi exited Chinese social media websites by deleting his accounts. Also Read: No party should escalate tensions, says China as PM Modi visits Ladakh The sudden Ladakh visit caught Beijing by surprise. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that, "China and India are in communication with each other through military and diplomatic channels. Neither side should make any move that may complicate the border situation." The standoff against China is not ending soon, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit shows that India is ready to dig in for a long haul. (With inputs from PTI)

India-China standoff: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a surprise visit to eastern Ladakh on Friday to meet troops amid a Sino-India military standoff.

PM Modi, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief M M Naravane, interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP.

While visits to a front may be unusual for an Indian leader, it is almost a tradition for the leaders of the West. From Eisenhower to Tony Blair and Donald Trump, leaders have often visited fronts. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-pm-narendra-modis-ladakh-visit-gives-a-clear-message-to-beijing-310522">Also Read: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing</a>

The advantages of these visits outweigh the risk. George W Bush was the first US president to land in Iraq and that too just months after Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled.

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Bush was supposed to be at his ranch in Texas, but no one, including the people on board his Air Force 1, knew that the president was headed to a high tension front - Baghdad. This Thanksgiving visit gave a much-needed morale boost to the US troops. 
&nbsp; 
Recent US presidents have made repeated visits to Afghanistan. Obama travelled there multiple times, Trump's visit to Afghanistan this Thanksgiving Day, gave the troops a much-needed pat on the back. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-your-courage-is-higher-than-the-mountains-pm-modi-to-indian-troops-at-ladakh-310351">Also Read: Your courage is higher than the mountains, PM Modi to Indian troops at Ladakh</a>

These visits are also important for their message to the enemy, the world, and also the people back home. The very fact that the leader is standing there, besides his troops, speaks a thousand words.

In India, the President the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and not the Prime Minister. But &nbsp;Modi'svisit to Ladakh may have started a new tradition. It reflects daring leadership and the willingness to take risks. It is a hallmark of trust between the Armed Forces and the leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a surprise visit to eastern Ladakh on Friday to meet troops amid a Sino-India military standoff. PM Modi, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief M M Naravane, interacted with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP. While visits to a front may be unusual for an Indian leader, it is almost a tradition for the leaders of the West. From Eisenhower to Tony Blair and Donald Trump, leaders have often visited fronts. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing The advantages of these visits outweigh the risk. George W Bush was the first US president to land in Iraq and that too just months after Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled. Bush was supposed to be at his ranch in Texas, but no one, including the people on board his Air Force 1, knew that the president was headed to a high tension front - Baghdad. This Thanksgiving visit gave a much-needed morale boost to the US troops. Recent US presidents have made repeated visits to Afghanistan. Obama travelled there multiple times, Trump's visit to Afghanistan this Thanksgiving Day, gave the troops a much-needed pat on the back. Also Read: Your courage is higher than the mountains, PM Modi to Indian troops at Ladakh These visits are also important for their message to the enemy, the world, and also the people back home. The very fact that the leader is standing there, besides his troops, speaks a thousand words. In India, the President the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and not the Prime Minister. But Modi'svisit to Ladakh may have started a new tradition. It reflects daring leadership and the willingness to take risks. It is a hallmark of trust between the Armed Forces and the leadership.

Why do leaders visit warzones?

The third round of India-China military talks on Tuesday lasted for 12 hours with the focus being on defining the details of "disengagement".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-why-both-sides-cannot-use-military-capability-along-lac-309651">In Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;India-China standoff: Why both sides cannot use military capability along LAC</a>

The talks between the commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and commander of the South Xinjiang military region Major General Liu Lin comes even as tensions continue between India and China after the deadly face-off last week that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

Sources said, "There are four pockets of friction right now. Only slight reduction of troops on these, minuscule."

Both sides had agreed on disengagement after June 6 corps commander meet, but China attempted to unilaterally change the situation on the ground on June 15 that led to the violent face-off.

"Concentration and mobilisation of troops continues and hasn’t shown signs of abating," sources said, highlighting that it will be "a long haul, well into the winter".

The second round of corps commander meet had occurred on June 22.&nbsp;

Diplomatic talks are also expected to happen soon. During the 15th round of Working Mechanism for Consultation &amp; Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) last week, both sides agreed "to maintain communication both at diplomatic and military level including under the framework of WMCC to resolve the existing situation peacefully."

The third round of India-China military talks on Tuesday lasted for 12 hours with the focus being on defining the details of "disengagement". In Pics: India-China standoff: Why both sides cannot use military capability along LAC The talks between the commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and commander of the South Xinjiang military region Major General Liu Lin comes even as tensions continue between India and China after the deadly face-off last week that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

The third round of India-China military talks on Tuesday lasted for 12 hours with the focus being on defining the details of "disengagement". In Pics: India-China standoff: Why both sides cannot use military capability along LAC The talks between the commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and commander of the South Xinjiang military region Major General Liu Lin comes even as tensions continue between India and China after the deadly face-off last week that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. Sources said, "There are four pockets of friction right now. Only slight reduction of troops on these, minuscule." Both sides had agreed on disengagement after June 6 corps commander meet, but China attempted to unilaterally change the situation on the ground on June 15 that led to the violent face-off. "Concentration and mobilisation of troops continues and hasn’t shown signs of abating," sources said, highlighting that it will be "a long haul, well into the winter". The second round of corps commander meet had occurred on June 22. Diplomatic talks are also expected to happen soon. During the 15th round of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) last week, both sides agreed "to maintain communication both at diplomatic and military level including under the framework of WMCC to resolve the existing situation peacefully."

India-China standoff: Mobilisation of troops continues along LAC, say Indian sources to WION

The ban imposed on 59 Chinese apps, by the Indian government, is part of a series of sustained responses to build an effective counter to China's provocations.

To contain China, India will have to deploy all three potential retaliatory moves - military, economic and diplomatic.

The boycott of Chinses products has already started in the form of a public campaign. To impose a total boycott, India needs compelling domestic alternatives on price, scale and quality.&nbsp;

India has also amended rules for foreign direct investment (FDI). New Delhi can take it up a notch by placing thresholds on the inflow of Chinese cash.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-chinese-apps-what-does-the-decision-mean-for-beijing-309734">Also Read:&nbsp;India bans Chinese apps: What does the decision mean for Beijing?</a>

According to experts, India could consider slapping higher tariffs on Chinese goods. A blanket tariff policy would be hard to execute, but specific sectors or products can definitely be targetted.

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India must also consider not withdrawing the travel advisory against China that was issued amid the coronavirus crisis. This would impact Beijing's tourism sector.&nbsp;Similarly, Indian students studying in China could be asked to return.&nbsp;

As part of the military measures, India could invite Australia for the Malabar Naval Exercise. So far, India, the United States and Japan participate in this yearly event and allowing Australia would strengthen the QUAD.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-apps-have-been-banned-in-india-is-huawei-next-309732">Also Read: Chinese apps have been banned in India; Is Huawei next?</a>

India could follow this up with a comprehensive maritime response to China’s border aggression. For that, Indian Naval forces could conduct drills around the Andaman and Nicobar islands.&nbsp;

China has been trying to increase its presence in the Indian ocean. Andaman and Nicobar islands allow India to project its military power something that China clearly sees as a threat. &nbsp;

To counter&nbsp;China, India needs to formulate&nbsp;a comprehensive strategy with a combination of military, diplomatic and economic measures.

The ban imposed on 59 Chinese apps, by the Indian government, is part of a series of sustained responses to build an effective counter to China's provocations. To contain China, India will have to deploy all three potential retaliatory moves - military, economic and diplomatic.

The ban imposed on 59 Chinese apps, by the Indian government, is part of a series of sustained responses to build an effective counter to China's provocations. To contain China, India will have to deploy all three potential retaliatory moves - military, economic and diplomatic. The boycott of Chinses products has already started in the form of a public campaign. To impose a total boycott, India needs compelling domestic alternatives on price, scale and quality. India has also amended rules for foreign direct investment (FDI). New Delhi can take it up a notch by placing thresholds on the inflow of Chinese cash. Also Read: India bans Chinese apps: What does the decision mean for Beijing? According to experts, India could consider slapping higher tariffs on Chinese goods. A blanket tariff policy would be hard to execute, but specific sectors or products can definitely be targetted. India must also consider not withdrawing the travel advisory against China that was issued amid the coronavirus crisis. This would impact Beijing's tourism sector. Similarly, Indian students studying in China could be asked to return. As part of the military measures, India could invite Australia for the Malabar Naval Exercise. So far, India, the United States and Japan participate in this yearly event and allowing Australia would strengthen the QUAD. Also Read: Chinese apps have been banned in India; Is Huawei next? India could follow this up with a comprehensive maritime response to China’s border aggression. For that, Indian Naval forces could conduct drills around the Andaman and Nicobar islands. China has been trying to increase its presence in the Indian ocean. Andaman and Nicobar islands allow India to project its military power something that China clearly sees as a threat. To counter China, India needs to formulate a comprehensive strategy with a combination of military, diplomatic and economic measures.

To contain China, India needs a comprehensive strategy

India-China standoff: Why both sides cannot use military capability along LAC

Tik Tok has been removed from Apple's App Store and Google Play Store.

The development comes after the Government of India banned 59 apps "which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order”.

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Tik Tok removed from Apple's App Store &amp; Google Play Store. Government of India yesterday banned 59 apps "which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order”. <a href="https://t.co/f2LtyqXTtN">pic.twitter.com/f2LtyqXTtN</a>
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While announcing the ban, Ministry of Electronics and IT on Monday said that the move would safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users besides ensuring safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-59-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-shareit-uc-browser-citing-national-security-309464">India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security</a>

"The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking its power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act has decided to block 59 apps as they are found to be engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order," the press release issued by the government said.&nbsp;

Among the apps that have banned are Tik Tok, SHarit, Kwai, UC Browser, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser, among others.

Meanwhile, TikTok on Tuesday denied sharing information on Indian users with the Chinese government after New Delhi.&nbsp;

"TikTok continues to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under Indian law and have not shared any information of our users in India with any foreign government, including the Chinese Government," said the company, which is owned by China's ByteDance. 
India banned 58 other Chinese apps over the same concerns.

Tik Tok has been removed from Apple's App Store and Google Play Store. The development comes after the Government of India banned 59 apps "which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order”.

Tik Tok has been removed from Apple's App Store and Google Play Store. The development comes after the Government of India banned 59 apps "which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order”. Tik Tok removed from Apple's App Store & Google Play Store. Government of India yesterday banned 59 apps "which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order”. pic.twitter.com/f2LtyqXTtN — ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2020 × While announcing the ban, Ministry of Electronics and IT on Monday said that the move would safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users besides ensuring safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace. Also read: India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser citing national security "The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking its power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act has decided to block 59 apps as they are found to be engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order," the press release issued by the government said. Among the apps that have banned are Tik Tok, SHarit, Kwai, UC Browser, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser, among others. Meanwhile, TikTok on Tuesday denied sharing information on Indian users with the Chinese government after New Delhi. "TikTok continues to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under Indian law and have not shared any information of our users in India with any foreign government, including the Chinese Government," said the company, which is owned by China's ByteDance. India banned 58 other Chinese apps over the same concerns.

Tik Tok removed from Apple's App store and Google Play after govt's ban

The disengagement agreed upon between India and China on how to resolve the stand-off at three&nbsp;points in East Ladakh has begun on Wednesday by the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Indian territory.

The&nbsp;flashpoints to be discussed include Galwan valley's Patrol point 14, 15 and 17A, Hot springs and Pangong Tso, Finger 4. &nbsp;Sources told that Chinese troops have gone back 500 metres in all the 3 flashpoint areas.&nbsp;

Patrol Point 14 in Galwan which saw the India China clashes on June 15, the Chinese troops have been seen moving back to their rear position up to 20 km on the Chinese side of LAC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-satellite-images-show-chinese-military-build-up-and-activity-along-galwan-valley-308225" hreflang="en">New satellite images show Chinese military build-up and activity along Galwan valley</a>

Sources told WION, the Indian side is cautiously observing&nbsp;Chinese moves and the situation will be verified on the ground over a period of time.&nbsp;

Following the marathon 11 hours talks between Indian and Chinese forces on Monday, both have arrived at a "mutual consensus" on disengagement. Corps Commander level talks on Monday at Moldo was to chalk out the differences on the ground in the aftermath of 15 June face-off, that saw casualties on both sides.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-talks-with-india-china-once-again-claims-sovereignty-over-galwan-valley-308192" hreflang="en">Amid talks with India, China again claims 'sovereignty over Galwan Valley'</a>

During the meeting, modalities for disengagement from all friction areas in Eastern Ladakh were discussed and it will be taken forward by both the sides.

On&nbsp;June 1 also both forces of both countries meeting and arriving at disengagement consensus. While some disengagement did happen, the 15th June violent faceoff in galwan happened after the Chinese side "sought to erect structures just across the LAC" and "unilaterally attempted to change the status quo there", India had said. The face-off saw casualties on both sides. &nbsp;Since June 1, both sides have had around 8 rounds of military talks to defuse the situation.&nbsp;

Since early May 2020, the Chinese side has been hindering India's normal patrolling pattern the LAC area in Ladakh. In Mid-May, the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the Western Sector of the India-China border areas and this was met with an appropriate response by Indian forces.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The disengagement agreed upon between India and China on how to resolve the stand-off at three points in East Ladakh has begun on Wednesday by the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Indian territory.

The disengagement agreed upon between India and China on how to resolve the stand-off at three points in East Ladakh has begun on Wednesday by the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Indian territory. The flashpoints to be discussed include Galwan valley's Patrol point 14, 15 and 17A, Hot springs and Pangong Tso, Finger 4. Sources told that Chinese troops have gone back 500 metres in all the 3 flashpoint areas. Patrol Point 14 in Galwan which saw the India China clashes on June 15, the Chinese troops have been seen moving back to their rear position up to 20 km on the Chinese side of LAC. Also read: New satellite images show Chinese military build-up and activity along Galwan valley Sources told WION, the Indian side is cautiously observing Chinese moves and the situation will be verified on the ground over a period of time. Following the marathon 11 hours talks between Indian and Chinese forces on Monday, both have arrived at a "mutual consensus" on disengagement. Corps Commander level talks on Monday at Moldo was to chalk out the differences on the ground in the aftermath of 15 June face-off, that saw casualties on both sides. Also read: Amid talks with India, China again claims 'sovereignty over Galwan Valley' During the meeting, modalities for disengagement from all friction areas in Eastern Ladakh were discussed and it will be taken forward by both the sides. On June 1 also both forces of both countries meeting and arriving at disengagement consensus. While some disengagement did happen, the 15th June violent faceoff in galwan happened after the Chinese side "sought to erect structures just across the LAC" and "unilaterally attempted to change the status quo there", India had said. The face-off saw casualties on both sides. Since June 1, both sides have had around 8 rounds of military talks to defuse the situation. Since early May 2020, the Chinese side has been hindering India's normal patrolling pattern the LAC area in Ladakh. In Mid-May, the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the Western Sector of the India-China border areas and this was met with an appropriate response by Indian forces.

India-China standoff: Disengagement begins at LAC's three flash points

Amid tensions at the border, the&nbsp;Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to&nbsp;hold a virtual meet&nbsp;to discuss border tensions between the two countries. &nbsp;

Watch Video:

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The talks are set to be headed by joint secretary-level officials from both sides.&nbsp; The talks will be held today between Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary(East Asia) and Wu Jianghao, director-general in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs.&nbsp;

This is the second diplomatic level talks this month after the first took place on June 5.

The consultation and coordination mechanism was established in 2012 for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity between the two countries.

The meet is set to be conducted through a video link.

India and Chinese military commanders had taken part in talks along the Line of Actual Control on Monday which lasted to eleven hours. Both sides had decided to disengage after clashes at the border had left 20 Indian soldiers dead last week at Galwan Valley.

Amid tensions in the area, India's Army chief MM Naravane visited the Leh in order to review the situation at the border.

Amid tensions at the border, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to hold a virtual meet to discuss border tensions between the two countries.

Amid tensions at the border, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to hold a virtual meet to discuss border tensions between the two countries. Watch Video: The talks are set to be headed by joint secretary-level officials from both sides. The talks will be held today between Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary(East Asia) and Wu Jianghao, director-general in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs. This is the second diplomatic level talks this month after the first took place on June 5. The consultation and coordination mechanism was established in 2012 for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity between the two countries. The meet is set to be conducted through a video link. India and Chinese military commanders had taken part in talks along the Line of Actual Control on Monday which lasted to eleven hours. Both sides had decided to disengage after clashes at the border had left 20 Indian soldiers dead last week at Galwan Valley. Amid tensions in the area, India's Army chief MM Naravane visited the Leh in order to review the situation at the border.

India, China to hold diplomatic talks amid tensions along LAC

As India's Army Chief General&nbsp;MM Naravane prepares to visit Ladakh today to discuss with ground commanders the situation on the standoff with China after clashes last week, Indian and Chinese military commanders met on Monday amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-land-grab-is-a-classic-beijing-transgression-and-biggest-test-for-new-delhi-307809">Also Read: Land grab is a classic Beijing transgression and biggest test for New Delhi</a>

The meeting between the military commanders of the two nations which started at 11:30 am on Monday lasted for around 11 hours, according to reports.&nbsp;

India's Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane meanwhile will visit Leh today. The Army chief will review the on-ground situation with the 14 Corps officials and will review the progress&nbsp;of talks between Indian military commanders and the Chinese military.

India and Chinese troops had clashed in the Galwan Valley last week with the Indian government reporting the death of 20 soldiers during the clash.

China has refused to divulge its casualty figures even though the state-run Global Times had reported causalities suffered by PLA troops during the clash.

Meanwhile, ANI reported Indian Air Force(IAF) fighter jets carrying out sorties in Leh ahead of India's Army chief's visit.

As India's Army Chief General MM Naravane prepares to visit Ladakh today to discuss with ground commanders the situation on the standoff with China after clashes last week, Indian and Chinese military commanders met on Monday amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

As India's Army Chief General MM Naravane prepares to visit Ladakh today to discuss with ground commanders the situation on the standoff with China after clashes last week, Indian and Chinese military commanders met on Monday amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Also Read: Land grab is a classic Beijing transgression and biggest test for New Delhi The meeting between the military commanders of the two nations which started at 11:30 am on Monday lasted for around 11 hours, according to reports. India's Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane meanwhile will visit Leh today. The Army chief will review the on-ground situation with the 14 Corps officials and will review the progress of talks between Indian military commanders and the Chinese military. India and Chinese troops had clashed in the Galwan Valley last week with the Indian government reporting the death of 20 soldiers during the clash. China has refused to divulge its casualty figures even though the state-run Global Times had reported causalities suffered by PLA troops during the clash. Meanwhile, ANI reported Indian Air Force(IAF) fighter jets carrying out sorties in Leh ahead of India's Army chief's visit.

Indian, Chinese Army commanders meet lasts for 11 hours: Report

In a bid too woo Bangladesh, China has provided a huge trade boost to the country by announcing tariff exemption for 97 per cent of Bangladeshi products effective from July 1.

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The decision has come one month after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a discussion to upgrade their bilateral relations during the Covid-19 pandemic

This move reduces Bangladesh's dependence on India. Bangladesh shares the highest trade deficit with India at over $7 billion dollars. But things may change now because China has lured Dhaka with tariff exemptions in a bid to become its top export destination.

Beijing has said that&nbsp;Bangladesh will get priority if it develops the vaccine. So far, Bangladesh has reported over 115,000 cases that place it among the top-20 worst affected countries in the world. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-india-is-responding-to-chinas-provocations-307772">Also Read:&nbsp;Here's how India is responding to China's provocations</a>

Beijing is also helping Bangladesh with its relief work to contain coronavirus spread. 
 
China has also proposed sister-city alliances with six Bangladeshi cities which Beijing wants to use to foster cultural and commercial ties with Bangladesh.

China's geopolitical gameplan for South Asia is in motion - rake up the border conflict during the pandemic to keep India busy and befriend the neighbours.

In a bid too woo Bangladesh, China has provided a huge trade boost to the country by announcing tariff exemption for 97 per cent of Bangladeshi products effective from July 1.

In a bid too woo Bangladesh, China has provided a huge trade boost to the country by announcing tariff exemption for 97 per cent of Bangladeshi products effective from July 1. × The decision has come one month after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a discussion to upgrade their bilateral relations during the Covid-19 pandemic This move reduces Bangladesh's dependence on India. Bangladesh shares the highest trade deficit with India at over $7 billion dollars. But things may change now because China has lured Dhaka with tariff exemptions in a bid to become its top export destination. Beijing has said that Bangladesh will get priority if it develops the vaccine. So far, Bangladesh has reported over 115,000 cases that place it among the top-20 worst affected countries in the world. Also Read: Here's how India is responding to China's provocations Beijing is also helping Bangladesh with its relief work to contain coronavirus spread. China has also proposed sister-city alliances with six Bangladeshi cities which Beijing wants to use to foster cultural and commercial ties with Bangladesh. China's geopolitical gameplan for South Asia is in motion - rake up the border conflict during the pandemic to keep India busy and befriend the neighbours.

Amid standoff with India, China tries to woo Bangladesh

After Indian and Chinese troops clashed at the border in Ladakh, newswire ANI quoting Army sources said that corps commander-level meeting will be held at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control(LAC) opposite Chushul to discuss the ongoing dispute in Ladakh.

Watch:

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India and Chinese troops had clashed in Galwan Valley on June 15-16 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action. PTI sources said defence minister during a meeting with top military commanders ordered troops to maintain a strict vigil on Chinese activities at the border.

China's People's Liberation Army hasn't yet revealed its causality figures even as the state-run Global Times last week had said there were casualties on the Chinese side.

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria on Saturday said the IAF is "well prepared" and "suitably deployed" to counter any security challenges along the border with China amid reports of Indian fighter jets and troops being moved to the border.

Indian and Chinese troops had clashed in eastern Ladakh in a violent face-off on May 5-6 earlier. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9 even as both sides claimed that the situation was getting back to normal.

However, on June 15, both armies&nbsp;clashed as Indian soldiers were killed in action. 
&nbsp;

After Indian and Chinese troops clashed at the border in Ladakh, newswire ANI quoting Army sources said that corps commander-level meeting will be held at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control(LAC) opposite Chushul to discuss the ongoing dispute in Ladakh.

After Indian and Chinese troops clashed at the border in Ladakh, newswire ANI quoting Army sources said that corps commander-level meeting will be held at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control(LAC) opposite Chushul to discuss the ongoing dispute in Ladakh. Watch: India and Chinese troops had clashed in Galwan Valley on June 15-16 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action. PTI sources said defence minister during a meeting with top military commanders ordered troops to maintain a strict vigil on Chinese activities at the border. China's People's Liberation Army hasn't yet revealed its causality figures even as the state-run Global Times last week had said there were casualties on the Chinese side. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria on Saturday said the IAF is "well prepared" and "suitably deployed" to counter any security challenges along the border with China amid reports of Indian fighter jets and troops being moved to the border. Indian and Chinese troops had clashed in eastern Ladakh in a violent face-off on May 5-6 earlier. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9 even as both sides claimed that the situation was getting back to normal. However, on June 15, both armies clashed as Indian soldiers were killed in action.

India, China military commanders to hold talks along LAC after Galwan Valley clash

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-445-deaths-14821-new-cases-in-last-24-hours-307576">Also Read: India records 445 deaths, 14,821 new cases in last 24 hours</a>

The Delhi chief minister said that earlier just 5,000 tests were being conducted while asserting that "now people will not face any issues in getting tested".

"Our country is fighting two wars against China - one at the border and another against the virus from China. We have to remain united to fight both, none of these should be politicised," Kejriwal said through a video link.

"Our 20 brave soldiers did not back down, we also will not retreat and will win both the wars," Kejriwal asserted.

Kejriwal said that people under home isolation will be provided with pulse oximeters to measure their oxygen levels in just a few hours.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Delhi had reported 3,000 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 59,746. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 2,175 after 63 deaths were reported. According to health officials, 33,013 patients have recovered from the virus.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had earlier discussed key strategies with home minister Amit Shah on making contact tracing more robust and further strengthening of medical services in areas severely impacted by the virus in the capital.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day. Also Read: India records 445 deaths, 14,821 new cases in last 24 hours The Delhi chief minister said that earlier just 5,000 tests were being conducted while asserting that "now people will not face any issues in getting tested". "Our country is fighting two wars against China - one at the border and another against the virus from China. We have to remain united to fight both, none of these should be politicised," Kejriwal said through a video link. "Our 20 brave soldiers did not back down, we also will not retreat and will win both the wars," Kejriwal asserted. Kejriwal said that people under home isolation will be provided with pulse oximeters to measure their oxygen levels in just a few hours. On Sunday, Delhi had reported 3,000 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 59,746. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 2,175 after 63 deaths were reported. According to health officials, 33,013 patients have recovered from the virus. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had earlier discussed key strategies with home minister Amit Shah on making contact tracing more robust and further strengthening of medical services in areas severely impacted by the virus in the capital.

Our country is fighting two wars against China - at the border & against the virus: Kejriwal

The Indian Army has changed its rule of engagement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the border with China, thereby allowing its field commanders to order troops to use firearms under ‘extraordinary’ circumstances, ANI reported.

The Rules of Engagement have been changed and the field commanders have been empowered to order troops to use firearms under extraordinary circumstances, Army sources said.

This decision comes after the violent face-off on Monday night with China in the Galwan Valley of Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers, including officers, lost their lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier stated that the Army has been given full freedom to deal with the situation on the ground.

Post reviewing the prevalent situation on the India-China border after the Galwan clash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated that the Indian Army has been given complete freedom to deal with the on-ground situation.

The report further added that the Indian side is expected to discuss the matter with the Chinese Army during the Corps Commander level talks that are proposed to be held soon to ease the tension that has risen post the clash between the two armies in Galwan.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Army has changed its rule of engagement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the border with China, thereby allowing its field commanders to order troops to use firearms under ‘extraordinary’ circumstances, ANI reported.

The Indian Army has changed its rule of engagement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the border with China, thereby allowing its field commanders to order troops to use firearms under ‘extraordinary’ circumstances, ANI reported. The Rules of Engagement have been changed and the field commanders have been empowered to order troops to use firearms under extraordinary circumstances, Army sources said. This decision comes after the violent face-off on Monday night with China in the Galwan Valley of Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers, including officers, lost their lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier stated that the Army has been given full freedom to deal with the situation on the ground. Post reviewing the prevalent situation on the India-China border after the Galwan clash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated that the Indian Army has been given complete freedom to deal with the on-ground situation. The report further added that the Indian side is expected to discuss the matter with the Chinese Army during the Corps Commander level talks that are proposed to be held soon to ease the tension that has risen post the clash between the two armies in Galwan. (With inputs from agencies)

India-China border row: Government allows soldiers to use firearms across LAC in extraordinary situations

Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi assured the nation that China has not encroached into Indian territory or taken control of any Indian military positions. Modi said that the Indian forces are fully capable of protecting India's borders and that the army has been given a free hand to respond as seen appropriate.

Meanwhile, China has once again laid claim to the Galwan river valley in Ladakh which has become a flashpoint between India and China.

The Chinese&nbsp;foreign ministry said 'the Galwan valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control&nbsp;in the west section of the China-India boundary.

For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region'. This is the second time China has made a claim over Galwan valley. China says that its troops have patrolled the river valley for many years. But the ground reality is that Galwan valley lies on the Indian side of the LAC and has never before been a point of contention between the two sides. It was the PLA&nbsp;that first claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley immediately after the faceo-ff was confirmed. The Indian foreign ministry dismissed the claims as exaggerated and untenable.

Beijing once again blamed India for triggering Monday's standoff. The foreign ministry statement went on to say that since April this year Indian troops have unilaterally built roads, bridges and other facilities in Galwan valley. China accused Indian troops of deliberately trying to change the status quo at the border.

Meanwhile, China has also conducted a military drill in Tibet autonomous region, amid tensions along the border between China and India.

The drills by both nations at an altitude of more than 4,700 meters is to test the firepower of the troops.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation that China has not encroached into Indian territory or taken control of any Indian military positions. Modi said that the Indian forces are fully capable of protecting India's borders and that the army has been given a free hand to respond as seen appropriate.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation that China has not encroached into Indian territory or taken control of any Indian military positions. Modi said that the Indian forces are fully capable of protecting India's borders and that the army has been given a free hand to respond as seen appropriate. Meanwhile, China has once again laid claim to the Galwan river valley in Ladakh which has become a flashpoint between India and China. The Chinese foreign ministry said 'the Galwan valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in the west section of the China-India boundary. For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region'. This is the second time China has made a claim over Galwan valley. China says that its troops have patrolled the river valley for many years. But the ground reality is that Galwan valley lies on the Indian side of the LAC and has never before been a point of contention between the two sides. It was the PLA that first claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley immediately after the faceo-ff was confirmed. The Indian foreign ministry dismissed the claims as exaggerated and untenable. Beijing once again blamed India for triggering Monday's standoff. The foreign ministry statement went on to say that since April this year Indian troops have unilaterally built roads, bridges and other facilities in Galwan valley. China accused Indian troops of deliberately trying to change the status quo at the border. Meanwhile, China has also conducted a military drill in Tibet autonomous region, amid tensions along the border between China and India. The drills by both nations at an altitude of more than 4,700 meters is to test the firepower of the troops.

Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China

Since late May, China has positioned nearly 5,000 troops and occupied at least three areas along its disputed border with India, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In some instances, armed forces on both sides have punched, kicked, and thrown stones. 20 Indian and reportedly 35 Chinese soldiers have been killed, many others have been injured, and both sides have prepared heavy weapons in the event of further escalation. Even if the tensions ease, they will not vanish completely, and important questions remain. Why is China provoking India? What should India (and others in the Indo-Pacific region) do? With regard to China’s motivation, the clash along the India-China border has three important similarities with the situations in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Examining these similarities helps to contextualize China’s actions along the LAC and indicates how India, as well as neighbours like Vietnam and Japan, should respond to China’s provocations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The first similarity of note is China’s repeated disregard for international law when laying claim to new territory. In the South China Sea, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague rejected China’s claim to sovereignty over much of the South China Sea in 2016. Despite this, China continues to claim and occupy the area. In the East China Sea, China did not claim the Senkaku Islands before the 1970s. China’s attitude has since changed due to the potential existence of oil reserves in the East China Sea. Now, Chinese Coast Guard ships enter Japan’s territorial waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands and pursue Japanese fishing boats to claim sovereignty over this sea. The nonobservance of this international border further demonstrates China’s attitude of territorial entitlement and disrespect for international law. And China is expressing the same attitude at the India-China border. In this case, Dr Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Tibetan exile administration, expressed that the Dalai Lama considers the disputed territories of both Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh (along the LAC) to be a part of India. Thus, there is a high possibility that China’s claim to areas along the India-China border is legally baseless.&nbsp;

A second recurring facet of China’s behaviour is its exploitation of military power vacuums. For example, China occupied half of the Paracel Islands just after France withdrew from Indochina in the 1950s. In 1974, China expanded its presence to all of the Paracel Islands after the US withdrew from South Vietnam. Additionally, China occupied six features of the Spratly Islands after the Soviet Union decreased its military presence in Vietnam in 1988. Again in 1995, China laid claim to Mischief Reef after US troops withdrew from the Philippines.&nbsp;

In the India-China border area, the military balance has changed recently, causing China to mistakenly infer that there is a power vacuum. According to the SIPRI Military Expenditure Database published in April 2020, from 2010–2019, China increased its military expenditures 85 per cent. In comparison, India increased its expenditures by 37 per cent. Though India’s military defences along the Indo-China border are not weak, the gap between the two countries’ defence budgets has widened in the last decade. And along with the greater relative increase in military spending, China’s military activities have also increased. In 2011, China has made about 213 incursions into the LAC. But since 2011, the number of incursions have increased greatly: 426 (2012), 411 (2013), 460 (2014) , 428 (2015), 296 (2016), 473 (2017), 404 (2018). And last year, the number reached 663 incursions. This year, when India and the world are focusing on the COVID-19 crisis, China is trying to exploit the situation even more aggressively.&nbsp;

Finally, China’s arguably lawless expansionism is usually paired with an effort to exclude countries that are outside the region. In the South China Sea, China blames its assertive behaviour on the intervention of outsiders. Similarly, in the case of the India-China border, China is trying to halt Indian cooperation with the US, Japan, and Australia, which India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped up of late. This month, India just concluded a Logistical Support Agreement with Australia. If India and Japan conclude a similar pact, all four countries will have agreed to Logistical Support Agreements (Japan calls this agreement Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement, instead of LSA). China believes the agreements among these four countries are an effort at containment and therefore wants to stop them. To do so, which country would China choose to pressure? The most likely answer is India because China and India share a nearly 4,000 km land border (unlike the US, Japan, and Australia), allowing China to leverage its army. Moreover, China perceives that it can more easily persuade India to leave the US-led security framework because India and the US are not formal allies. Much like its behaviour in the South China Sea, China is using its military to pressure India to drop foreign partnerships that might inhibit China. &nbsp;

China’s lack of respect for international law, expansion of territorial claims where there are power vacuums, and efforts to exclude outside actors from the regional intervention are all common themes of China’s exploits in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and now the India-China border. Thus, the question remains—how do countries affected by China’s ambitions, like India, Vietnam, and Japan, respond? Knowing the pattern of China’s behaviour points toward the answer: they should do the opposite of what China wants. First, countries around China must continue to respect the rules-based order grounded in current international law. Second, China’s neighbours need to fill military power vacuums by increasing their defence budgets. And third, countries around China need to continue to enhance security cooperation with the US, Australia, and other like-minded countries. When India, Vietnam, Japan, etc., cooperate with the US, Australia, or other like-minded countries, the partnerships should promote not only regional security (helping to fill those power vacuums), but also economic cooperation. The strength of China’s army depends on an ample military budget. Thus, China’s neighbours should avoid supporting China’s economy (and hence funding its military) by strengthening relations with the US, Australia, and other like-minded countries. If those in the Indo-Pacific region care to limit China’s territorial encroachments, they must directly counter China’s behaviours and intentions. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Since late May, China has positioned nearly 5,000 troops and occupied at least three areas along its disputed border with India, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Since late May, China has positioned nearly 5,000 troops and occupied at least three areas along its disputed border with India, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In some instances, armed forces on both sides have punched, kicked, and thrown stones. 20 Indian and reportedly 35 Chinese soldiers have been killed, many others have been injured, and both sides have prepared heavy weapons in the event of further escalation. Even if the tensions ease, they will not vanish completely, and important questions remain. Why is China provoking India? What should India (and others in the Indo-Pacific region) do? With regard to China’s motivation, the clash along the India-China border has three important similarities with the situations in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Examining these similarities helps to contextualize China’s actions along the LAC and indicates how India, as well as neighbours like Vietnam and Japan, should respond to China’s provocations. The first similarity of note is China’s repeated disregard for international law when laying claim to new territory. In the South China Sea, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague rejected China’s claim to sovereignty over much of the South China Sea in 2016. Despite this, China continues to claim and occupy the area. In the East China Sea, China did not claim the Senkaku Islands before the 1970s. China’s attitude has since changed due to the potential existence of oil reserves in the East China Sea. Now, Chinese Coast Guard ships enter Japan’s territorial waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands and pursue Japanese fishing boats to claim sovereignty over this sea. The nonobservance of this international border further demonstrates China’s attitude of territorial entitlement and disrespect for international law. And China is expressing the same attitude at the India-China border. In this case, Dr Lobsang Sangay, the President of the Tibetan exile administration, expressed that the Dalai Lama considers the disputed territories of both Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh (along the LAC) to be a part of India. Thus, there is a high possibility that China’s claim to areas along the India-China border is legally baseless. A second recurring facet of China’s behaviour is its exploitation of military power vacuums. For example, China occupied half of the Paracel Islands just after France withdrew from Indochina in the 1950s. In 1974, China expanded its presence to all of the Paracel Islands after the US withdrew from South Vietnam. Additionally, China occupied six features of the Spratly Islands after the Soviet Union decreased its military presence in Vietnam in 1988. Again in 1995, China laid claim to Mischief Reef after US troops withdrew from the Philippines. In the India-China border area, the military balance has changed recently, causing China to mistakenly infer that there is a power vacuum. According to the SIPRI Military Expenditure Database published in April 2020, from 2010–2019, China increased its military expenditures 85 per cent. In comparison, India increased its expenditures by 37 per cent. Though India’s military defences along the Indo-China border are not weak, the gap between the two countries’ defence budgets has widened in the last decade. And along with the greater relative increase in military spending, China’s military activities have also increased. In 2011, China has made about 213 incursions into the LAC. But since 2011, the number of incursions have increased greatly: 426 (2012), 411 (2013), 460 (2014) , 428 (2015), 296 (2016), 473 (2017), 404 (2018). And last year, the number reached 663 incursions. This year, when India and the world are focusing on the COVID-19 crisis, China is trying to exploit the situation even more aggressively. Finally, China’s arguably lawless expansionism is usually paired with an effort to exclude countries that are outside the region. In the South China Sea, China blames its assertive behaviour on the intervention of outsiders. Similarly, in the case of the India-China border, China is trying to halt Indian cooperation with the US, Japan, and Australia, which India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped up of late. This month, India just concluded a Logistical Support Agreement with Australia. If India and Japan conclude a similar pact, all four countries will have agreed to Logistical Support Agreements (Japan calls this agreement Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement, instead of LSA). China believes the agreements among these four countries are an effort at containment and therefore wants to stop them. To do so, which country would China choose to pressure? The most likely answer is India because China and India share a nearly 4,000 km land border (unlike the US, Japan, and Australia), allowing China to leverage its army. Moreover, China perceives that it can more easily persuade India to leave the US-led security framework because India and the US are not formal allies. Much like its behaviour in the South China Sea, China is using its military to pressure India to drop foreign partnerships that might inhibit China. China’s lack of respect for international law, expansion of territorial claims where there are power vacuums, and efforts to exclude outside actors from the regional intervention are all common themes of China’s exploits in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and now the India-China border. Thus, the question remains—how do countries affected by China’s ambitions, like India, Vietnam, and Japan, respond? Knowing the pattern of China’s behaviour points toward the answer: they should do the opposite of what China wants. First, countries around China must continue to respect the rules-based order grounded in current international law. Second, China’s neighbours need to fill military power vacuums by increasing their defence budgets. And third, countries around China need to continue to enhance security cooperation with the US, Australia, and other like-minded countries. When India, Vietnam, Japan, etc., cooperate with the US, Australia, or other like-minded countries, the partnerships should promote not only regional security (helping to fill those power vacuums), but also economic cooperation. The strength of China’s army depends on an ample military budget. Thus, China’s neighbours should avoid supporting China’s economy (and hence funding its military) by strengthening relations with the US, Australia, and other like-minded countries. If those in the Indo-Pacific region care to limit China’s territorial encroachments, they must directly counter China’s behaviours and intentions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What should India do now to fight China's provocations?

The morale of the world community is now at a very low level due to the COVID-19 crisis, with no one knowing when it would end, and the consequent shattered economy of most countries in the world. The Chinese government under the dictatorship of Xi Jinping appears to have decided that present is the best time for the Chinese government to achieve its long-cherished ambition of dominating the world in all respects and emerging as the undisputed superpower of the world.

It is very obvious that the Chinese government has concluded, after all, its calculation or miscalculation, that its strategies towards total domination of the world should start now by confronting and weakening India and even humiliating it, if possible. A large populated country like India, if it were to decisively weaken under the pressure of China, then probably the Chinese government thinks that there would not be many insurmountable hurdles to “conquer the world”.

While the 1962 war with China left India humiliated and it is yet to recover from the shock of Chinese deceit, the Chinese government has consistently applied pressure on India in various ways in multiple forums.&nbsp;

With this game plan of weakening India, the Chinese government has directly and indirectly encouraged Pakistan to maintain hate relationship with India and prejudiced leadership of Pakistan has just considered China not wisely as 'all-weather friend'. In this process, today Pakistan has virtually become an extended territory of China and Pakistan government is in no position to refuse any dictates from China. With huge debts and several infrastructure projects under the Chinese companies, China can any time make Pakistan open a bigger military front against India than what it has been doing so far.&nbsp;

The appeasement of China by India started when Jawaharlal Nehru misread the motives and game plan of the then Chinese government. The recent visit of Xi Jinping to India when Prime Minister Modi went out of the way to extend a glamorous welcome to the Chinese President, made many think whether Modi also has misread the game plan of the Chinese government, just as Jawaharlal Nehru did several decades back.

When China occupied Tibet after the massacre of thousands of Tibetan protestors and India simply recognised the Chinese occupation of Tibet, in spite of the fact that Tibet under Chinese control could be a threat for India’s security interests, the world virtually lost faith that India has the will power to confront Chinese government.

Now, the tragic news that at least 20 Indian army men lost their lives in the border clash with the Chinese military, has shocked entire India, with people wondering how Modi would handle the situation. Will he try to buy peace with China in spite of the provocation or gather courage and work out plans to resist the Chinese government.

In any case, it is obvious now that India has no option other than resisting China in every possible way and make it realise that India is not a country that China can take for granted.

The terrorist attacks by militants from Pakistan in Kashmir which has been steadily increasing in recent times, the government of Nepal creating border dispute with India and Chinese military creating border tension, clearly indicate that China has worked out its strategic game plan to encircle India.

In all probability, it is likely that Pakistan will intensify its conflict with India in Kashmir and Nepal government would become more belligerent against India and &nbsp;Chinese military provocation in the border will intensify. Just as China killed Indian military personnel on June 15, the Nepal government too shot down an Indian a few days back at its border with India.

The scheme behind the well-coordinated plan of the Chinese government with support from governments of Pakistan and Nepal is to force India to resist the incursions on the border with China, Nepal and Pakistan using its military force. This will give an opportunity for the Chinese government to send its force to Pakistan and Nepal to “defend their border”. Then, the Chinese military will not go back at all from these territories of Pakistan and Nepal.

The news that China has asked Nepalese government to teach its students Chinese language Mandarin and has promised to meet the expenses for teaching the Mandarin language clearly indicates that China has a deep interest in controlling Nepal and possibly even occupying Nepal in one form or the other. It is disturbing to think whether Nepal too would go the Tibet way.

What options for Indian government now?

India has to stop import from China. This will be a matter of concern to China and effectively reveal the present Indian government’s mindset to the Chinese government. Certainly, India would suffer a little by suddenly curbing imports from China but this will be a very small price that India can afford.

India has to develop a relationship with Taiwan in a more open way and strengthen trade relations with Taiwan. China should be given the impression that India would not hesitate to give recognition to Taiwan, if necessary.

India must&nbsp;seek cooperation from countries like the US, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Israel and others, which&nbsp;are equally concerned about Chinese greed and territorial ambitions.

It appears that military confrontation with China and its allies Pakistan and Nepal is possible in the coming days, in a small or big way. Possibly, India needs to have an understanding with the US to face the situation, in the event of attacks from these three neighbouring countries.

Above all, Prime Minister Modi has to clearly realise that China has to be paid in the same coin and the appeasement policy has lost its value once for all. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The morale of the world community is now at a very low level due to the COVID-19 crisis, with no one knowing when it would end, and the consequent shattered economy of most countries in the world.

The morale of the world community is now at a very low level due to the COVID-19 crisis, with no one knowing when it would end, and the consequent shattered economy of most countries in the world. The Chinese government under the dictatorship of Xi Jinping appears to have decided that present is the best time for the Chinese government to achieve its long-cherished ambition of dominating the world in all respects and emerging as the undisputed superpower of the world. It is very obvious that the Chinese government has concluded, after all, its calculation or miscalculation, that its strategies towards total domination of the world should start now by confronting and weakening India and even humiliating it, if possible. A large populated country like India, if it were to decisively weaken under the pressure of China, then probably the Chinese government thinks that there would not be many insurmountable hurdles to “conquer the world”. While the 1962 war with China left India humiliated and it is yet to recover from the shock of Chinese deceit, the Chinese government has consistently applied pressure on India in various ways in multiple forums. With this game plan of weakening India, the Chinese government has directly and indirectly encouraged Pakistan to maintain hate relationship with India and prejudiced leadership of Pakistan has just considered China not wisely as 'all-weather friend'. In this process, today Pakistan has virtually become an extended territory of China and Pakistan government is in no position to refuse any dictates from China. With huge debts and several infrastructure projects under the Chinese companies, China can any time make Pakistan open a bigger military front against India than what it has been doing so far. The appeasement of China by India started when Jawaharlal Nehru misread the motives and game plan of the then Chinese government. The recent visit of Xi Jinping to India when Prime Minister Modi went out of the way to extend a glamorous welcome to the Chinese President, made many think whether Modi also has misread the game plan of the Chinese government, just as Jawaharlal Nehru did several decades back. When China occupied Tibet after the massacre of thousands of Tibetan protestors and India simply recognised the Chinese occupation of Tibet, in spite of the fact that Tibet under Chinese control could be a threat for India’s security interests, the world virtually lost faith that India has the will power to confront Chinese government. Now, the tragic news that at least 20 Indian army men lost their lives in the border clash with the Chinese military, has shocked entire India, with people wondering how Modi would handle the situation. Will he try to buy peace with China in spite of the provocation or gather courage and work out plans to resist the Chinese government. In any case, it is obvious now that India has no option other than resisting China in every possible way and make it realise that India is not a country that China can take for granted. The terrorist attacks by militants from Pakistan in Kashmir which has been steadily increasing in recent times, the government of Nepal creating border dispute with India and Chinese military creating border tension, clearly indicate that China has worked out its strategic game plan to encircle India. In all probability, it is likely that Pakistan will intensify its conflict with India in Kashmir and Nepal government would become more belligerent against India and Chinese military provocation in the border will intensify. Just as China killed Indian military personnel on June 15, the Nepal government too shot down an Indian a few days back at its border with India. The scheme behind the well-coordinated plan of the Chinese government with support from governments of Pakistan and Nepal is to force India to resist the incursions on the border with China, Nepal and Pakistan using its military force. This will give an opportunity for the Chinese government to send its force to Pakistan and Nepal to “defend their border”. Then, the Chinese military will not go back at all from these territories of Pakistan and Nepal. The news that China has asked Nepalese government to teach its students Chinese language Mandarin and has promised to meet the expenses for teaching the Mandarin language clearly indicates that China has a deep interest in controlling Nepal and possibly even occupying Nepal in one form or the other. It is disturbing to think whether Nepal too would go the Tibet way. What options for Indian government now? India has to stop import from China. This will be a matter of concern to China and effectively reveal the present Indian government’s mindset to the Chinese government. Certainly, India would suffer a little by suddenly curbing imports from China but this will be a very small price that India can afford. India has to develop a relationship with Taiwan in a more open way and strengthen trade relations with Taiwan. China should be given the impression that India would not hesitate to give recognition to Taiwan, if necessary. India must seek cooperation from countries like the US, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Israel and others, which are equally concerned about Chinese greed and territorial ambitions. It appears that military confrontation with China and its allies Pakistan and Nepal is possible in the coming days, in a small or big way. Possibly, India needs to have an understanding with the US to face the situation, in the event of attacks from these three neighbouring countries. Above all, Prime Minister Modi has to clearly realise that China has to be paid in the same coin and the appeasement policy has lost its value once for all. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India must stand-up to China