Washington: India and China should engage in direct dialogue free of any “coercive aspects” to reduce the tension over a military standoff in Doklam, the Pentagon has said.
India has taken a strong stand against China’s move to claim Doklam area as part of its territory and Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face-off in Doklam area, also claimed by Indian ally Bhutan, for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the disputed zone.
“We encourage India and China to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and free of any coercive aspects,” defence department spokesman Gary Ross said. Mr Ross, however, refused to take sides on the issue. “We refer you to the governments of India and China for further information... We are not going to speculate on such matters,” Mr Ross said, when asked if the Pentagon fears that tension may escalate between the neighbours.
The US state department has made similar statements earlier.
In recent years, almost all neighbours of China have accused Beijing of coercive tactics to settle border disputes.
The standoff in Doklam is seen as a part of the same tactic to change the status quo in the area. India has taken a strong stand against the “unilateral action” by China.
National security adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval will visit Beijing for a meeting of Brics’ NSAs next week. He is expected to discuss the border issue with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.
Earlier this week, a top Pentagon commander told US lawmakers that China was exploiting its economic leverage as a way to further its regional political objectives.
