After Dozens Die in Military Clash... China Says "India's Recklessness Is Main Cause of Tension"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Amid the military clash in the border dispute area between China and India that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, Chinese media pointed out that India's provocation is the main cause of tensions between the two countries.

On the 17th, the Chinese state-run media Global Times stated in an editorial, "The death of soldiers due to the border dispute between China and India is the first since 1975," and described it as "the most serious clash."

It added, "India's arrogance and recklessness are the main causes of the China-India border dispute," and criticized, "Indians mistakenly believe that their military is stronger than China’s and that China will not respond firmly to India due to pressure from the United States. The U.S. has closely aligned with India because of its Indo-Pacific strategy, and this situation is exacerbating India’s misjudgment."

In a separate article detailing the military clash between the two countries, it explained, "This clash occurred after the Indian military crossed the border and committed illegal acts, followed by provocative attacks on the Chinese military."

On the 16th (local time), the Indian Army announced that 20 soldiers died in a clash with the Chinese military in the Galwan Valley area of Ladakh the previous day. The number of deaths was initially reported as three but was later revised to 20. The number of Chinese military casualties has not yet been disclosed. The clash unfolded without gunfire, involving fistfights and stone-throwing battles.

China urged India to refrain from provocation.

Zhang Xuili, spokesperson for the Western Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, mentioned, "There were injured personnel on both sides," and stated, "China has always maintained sovereignty over the Galwan Valley area, but India seriously violated the agreements made between the two countries. India must stop all military provocations and return to the right path of resolving disputes through dialogue." Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also urged, "India should refrain from unilateral actions that could further complicate the border situation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.