Ladakh Standoff: Mike Pompeo said the United States “stands by India’s side to face any threat.” (File)
New Delhi:
China, shaken by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s strong support for India’s efforts to defend its sovereignty – a reference to the military standoff in Ladakh – said in a statement that “the border issue is a bilateral issue ”and there is“ no space ”for a third party to intervene.
Mike Pompeo said yesterday that the United States “will stand alongside India in the face of threats against their sovereignty, their freedom”.
After talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, during which the confrontation in Ladakh was discussed, Pompeo said: “The United States will join India in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and freedom … Our nations are determined to work together to expand our partnerships on many fronts. “
Beijing said the development of bilateral relations between countries should not “infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of a third party” and should be conducive to regional peace, stability and development.
“The border issue is a bilateral issue between China and India. The two sides discussed disengagement and de-escalation in border areas through diplomatic and military channels. China and India have wisdom and the ability to handle their disputes properly. There is no room for a third party to intervene, “said a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy.
China has also accused the United States of launching an Indo-Pacific strategy to maintain its dominance. “The ‘Indo-Pacific strategy’ proposed by the United States is to provoke confrontation between different groups and blocs and to stir up geopolitical competition, with the aim of maintaining the domination of the United States, to organize ideological cliques closed and exclusive, ”said his press release. .
Beijing criticized what it called the “behavior of engaging in unilateralism and intimidation” and added: “By extolling the so-called ‘Chinese threat’, the United States is in effect making pretexts to maintain their world hegemony and contain the development of China. “
Mr. Pompeo arrived in India on Monday with Secretary of Defense Mark T Esper for the third edition of the US-India 2 + 2 Dialogue.
India and the United States have signed a Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) that will allow the sharing of high-end military technologies, classified satellite data and critical information between the two countries.
The long-negotiated BECA has crystallized against the backdrop of the tense standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh since May, which escalated after a clash in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers were killed. In July, Pompeo criticized China for its aggressive actions against its neighbors, including for “sparking” a deadly confrontation with India in eastern Ladakh, saying Beijing could not threaten countries and communities. bully in the Himalayas.
