China’s road building in Doklam, Bhutan, violated pact between India and China. It posed threat to India’s strategic interests.
WHAT’S THE AGREEMENT?
1. “Mutual disengagement of troops” to restore status quo
2. Indian troops withdraw to post at Doka La. They continue to occupy vantage point on top of ridge and can keep an eye on the Doklam bowl, less than 500 metres away
3. China will not renew road building that led to the confrontation. MEA says both sides had moved out “under verification”
WHAT DID CHINA SAY?
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said India had “pulled back all the trespassing personnel and equipment to the Indian side of the boundary. Chinese troops continue to exercise sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
She also said, “China will make adjustments with the situation on the ground” and “will continue to develop friendly relations with India.”
WHAT LED TO THE RESOLUTION?
1. Despite its war talk, China was disadvantaged on lower ground. It would have found ground harder to hold once it began to snow in September-end.
2. Though China’s infrastructure is better, India has closed the gap with its troops closer to the border.
3. Armed conflict could have resulted in high casualties without clear winners.
4. Chinese leadership was keen to resolve row ahead of crucial party conference later this year, where Xi Jinping is expected to get another 5 years as China’s leader.
5. China was keen on a smooth BRICS summit and India was also keen to iron out glitches before PM Modi visits Beijing early next month.
6. The wording of the Chinese statement appears to be a bid to placate hawks within China, who were insistent that nothing short of an Indian withdrawal would be acceptable to Beijing.
