Chinese troops have allegedly advanced into “disputed territory claimed by India” in recent days, but an Indian Army spokesman refuses to confirm that the incursion actually occurred.
An Indian official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that Indian Border Police spotted the Chinese troops and that “a temporary, peaceful face-off” followed.
Channel News Asia reports that the Chinese troops allegedly crossed the border on August 17 and 18 “into a remote area of the western Himalayas.” On the 18th the Chinese troops allegedly raised a banner that read, “this is Chinese territory, go back.”
Indian Army spokesman Colonel S. D. Goswami would not confirm the reports.
Reuters reported that Chinese troops not only crossed into the disputed Indian territory but actually made camp there on April 15 of this year.
The report indicated “several dozen Chinese troops [had] set up a remote camp some 10 km (6 miles) inside territory claimed by India in the high altitude Himalaya desert of Ladakh.” The Chinese troops were supported “by two helicopters…as they set up the camp.”
Indian Army scouts responded to the Chinese incursion by setting up their own camp “just 500 meters (1600 feet) away.”
Both countries have increased their “military presence” on their respective sides of the border in recent years, as defense spending in both countries has increased. And talks are ongoing to resolve border tensions.
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