The Chinese government has issued a warning

The Chinese government has issued a warning to neighboring India to withdraw its troops from the disputed Doklam border area to “avoid further escalation of the situation.” The comments, made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang during a regular press briefing Tuesday, come amid what has evolved into an increasingly bitter and entrenched border dispute between the two nations. The standoff, now entering into its fifth week, centers on a thin strip of land in the junction with Bhutan. Though not a part of Indian territory, the area is close to the “chicken’s neck,” a strategic corridor that serves as a vital artery between Delhi and its far northeastern states. The dispute appears to have escalated in recent days, say analysts, with both Beijing and Delhi looking to consolidate their positions. On Monday, China conducted live-fire drills in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau close to the site of the current standoff. The aim of the drills, according to reports in Chinese state media, was to improve troops’ “combat capability in such locations.” An increasingly bellicose domestic media environment has further added to the sense of intractability surrounding the dispute, with press reports from both sides calling on leaders to protect the “sovereignty” and “honor” of their respective nations. A widely circulated op-ed, published by the Chinese tabloid the Global Times on Tuesday, urged India to back down or “face the consequence of an all-out confrontation.” The commentary repeated unconfirmed reports in the Indian press that Indian troops are now stationed at the border area and have set up logistical support. “In response, China must continue strengthening border construction and speed up troop deployment and construction in the Doklam area,” said the op-ed. The Chinese government has issued a warning to neighboring India to withdraw its troops from the disputed Doklam border area to “avoid further escalation of the situation.” The comments, made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang during a regular press briefing Tuesday, come amid what has evolved into an increasingly bitter and entrenched border dispute between the two nations.

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