China confirms de-escalation 'progress' in Ladakh, says 'talks with India will continue'

Beijing on Monday confirmed that Chinese and Indian troops held Commander-level talks and will continue talks to ease tensions at Line of Actual Control (LAC). China has said that steps are being taken to diseng and for de-escalation. 

Earlier, it was reported that disengment with Chinese PLA has started as per agreed terms in Corps Commander's meeting. Chinese are removing tents and structures at Patrol Point 14 -- place where Galwan Valley faceoff took place. Rearward movement of vehicles of People's Liberation Army is also seen at General area Galwan, Hotsprings & Gogra, as per sources.

Sources also said that Chinese have moved back 1-2 km from locations where disengment was agreed upon. y ded that Chinese heavy-armoured vehicles are still present in forward areas at Galwan and  Indian Army is monitoring situation with caution.

China yet to give out details

Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Lakh for last seven weeks.  tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15. Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out details. 

India has been insisting on restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Lakh to restore peace and tranquillity in region.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Leh where he interacted with personnel of Army, Air Force and ITBP. PM Modi, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army Chief MM Naravane, travelled to forward positions where he asserted India's sovereignty amid China's claims and delivered a striking statement against expansionism that was heard loud and clear in China.

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India hits back at China

Last month, India h said that China has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along LAC in eastern Lakh since early May and warned that continuation of current situation would only vitiate atmosphere for development of relationship.

In a strongly-worded statement, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said conduct of Chinese forces is in "complete disregard" of all mutually agreed rms. At an online media briefing, he also gave a detailed rundown of events along LAC in eastern Lakh and said Chinese side was responsible for Galwan Valley clashes on June 15.

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(with PTI inputs)