Sikkim standoff ends: China to step up patrolling along border in Doka La

Beijing: Days after resolving an over two-month-long military stand-off with India, China on Thursday said it will step up patrolling in Doka La where the two armies were locked in a face-off over a strategic border road. [caption id=“attachment_3991551” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Getty images[/caption] China’s armed forces will strengthen patrolling and defence of Doka La area on the border, a Chinese military spokesperson was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. China’s military has paid close attention to the situation and taken “emergency measures” to reinforce border controls since the Dong Lang or Doka La incident occurred, said Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence. “Chinese troops resolutely maintain the country’s territorial sovereignty and legitimate rights,” he told the media, adding they also used military diplomacy and border contact channels to promote the proper resolution of the border row. The stand-off began on 18 June when Indian troops crossed into Doka La, claimed by both Bhutan and China, triggering a dragging stand-off. The issue was diplomatically resolved on Monday. India on Monday said both sides decided to disengage from Doka La in the disputed Doka La plateau where Chinese troops were building a road. However, China said it will keep patrolling in the area. Beijing has been ambiguous whether it will resume constructing the road in Doka La that is controlled by China but claimed by Bhutan.