China condoles Pranab Mukherjee’s death, calls him 'veteran statesman of India'

China on Tuesday, September 1, expressed its condolence over death of former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and extended its sympathies to bereaved family. Pranab Mukherjee passed away on August 31 at of 84, in an army hospital. He served as 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017 and left behind his rich legacy with his stint as President of India, Finance, Commerce, Defence Minister, and a veteran Congress leer. 

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'Huge loss to China-India friendship'

Calling Pranab Mukherjee as a 'veteran statesman of India' Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said that he me a positive contribution to China-India relations over 50 years of his political career. She also said that death of Mukherjee is a huge loss to China-India friendship.

"Pranab Mukherjee was a veteran statesman of India. In his 50 years in politics, he me positive contribution to China-India relations. It's a heavy loss to China-India friendship and to India. We express condolences over his death and extend sympathies", Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said.

condolence mess came even as India and China are engd in a standoff over parts of Lakh where Chinese army set up camp earlier this year and latest LAC incursion being reported on Monday. impasse has t been resolved despite holding several rounds of diplomatic talks between militaries of both nations.

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Fresh violation at LAC by China

Meanwhile, fresh border tension between India and China escalated on Monday after a fresh confrontation by Chinese army PLA carried out 'provocative military movements' to unilaterally change status quo on sourn bank of Pangong Tso lake on intervening night of August 29 and 30, however, attempt was thwarted by Indian troops, Army said on Monday.

Reiterating that Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility through dialogue, spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand stressed that it is equally determined to protect its territorial integrity. A Brige Commander-level flag meeting took place at Chushul to resolve issues on Monday. As per sources, both sides will hold Brige Commander level talks at same location again on Tuesday according to Indian Army Sources.

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