China on Monday responded to reports of confrontations with Indian forces in Arunachal Pradesh, saying its border patrols were routine and aimed at safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maintaining stability along the frontier.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing continued to follow bilateral agreements and understandings while carrying out patrols and management activities in border areas. He added that the two countries remained in contact through diplomatic and military channels.
China also called on India to work towards implementing existing understandings and take steps to preserve peace and stability along the border.
The response comes days after India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed reports of continuing face-offs involving the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh.
During a briefing on Friday, the MEA said tensions in border areas occasionally arise when Chinese forces move away from established patrolling patterns. It noted that both countries were using existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to address unresolved issues and prevent misunderstandings along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The latest exchange comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries over the boundary question.
