China acts coy on troop withdrawal from Ladakh

Tacitly acknowledging the withdrawal of its troops from Depsang Valley in Ladakh, China on Monday said the "stand-off incident" with India has been resolved through "fruitful consultations," keeping the larger interests of bilateral relations in mind.

"Following the stand-off incident at the border area, China and India, with the larger interests of bilateral relations in mind, have taken a cooperative and constructive attitude," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

The two sides exercised restraint and properly handled the incident through relevant mechanisms, diplomatic channels and border meetings, she said.

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In her first comments after the decision of the two countries to withdraw troops from the Daulat Beg Oldi area after a 20-day stand off, Hua said, "As far as I know, relevant consultations have been fruitful".

"We believe that maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas serve the common interests of the two sides. China is ready to join hands with the Indian side to seek a mutually acceptable and fair solution to the border question at an early date," she said.

Pressed for more details on the settlement, including dismantling of tents erected by the PLA, Hua said, "I need to follow closely the latest information".

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"As I have said before, the two sides bear in mind the larger interests of bilateral relations," she said.

The two sides have taken a constructive and cooperative attitude and have maintained communication and consultation and made positive progress, Hua said.

"I will share with you relevant information if I get the latest information," she said.

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Asked whether the Chinese troops have moved back from their position, she replied, "I have said the two sides have been constructive and cooperative and have been maintaining communications through relevant mechanism in the border regions".

"Relevant consultations have made positive progress. I know you are very concerned about this and I must follow the information to tell you the correct information," Hua said.

"I believe the Chinese and Indian sides should maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and work for the smooth development of bilateral relations," she said.

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