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Defence ministry denies reports of Chinese skipping border meet

The defence ministry has denied news reports that China had skipped a crucial confidence-building flag meeting in the past fortnight.

The ministry also denied that Beijing had levelled an accusation that a helicopter carrying Defence Minister George Fernandes had strayed into Chinese airspace during his visit to various posts in the Ladakh sector on April 30.

The ministry described these reports as ''factually incorrect and misleading'', and said the flag meeting, hosted by the Chinese, was held at Spanggur in Ladakh at the convenience of both sides on June 29 in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

The flag meetings are held in the most cordial and congenial atmosphere as the two sides consider these to be the surest safety valves for preventing any build-up of tension along the India-China border. ''Both sides have expressed their resolve to comply with the peace and tranquillity agreement and confidence-building measures in letter and spirit,'' the ministry said.

UNI

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