Chinese Defence Minister in Delhi as tensions over Doklahm ease
General Wei Fenghe makes his first visit after last year’s standoff. China’s Defence Minister met with Prime Minister Modi. “This visit … will deepen our bilateral military exchanges and cooperation on security, enhance mutual trust and push forward the new development of our military ties to protect peace on the border,” Wei said.
Delhi (AsiaNews/Agencies) – China and India appear to be turning towards friendlier relations following a period of tensions.
The new détente is epitomised by yesterday’s meeting in Delhi between Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Wei’s is the first visit to India by a senior Chinese military leader after last year's military tensions over the Doklam plateau.
Wei, who is also a general in the People’s Liberation Army, told Modi during a visit to New Delhi that friendly cooperation has become the main component of China and India’s inter-military relations.
“This visit … will deepen our bilateral military exchanges and cooperation on security, enhance mutual trust and push forward the new development of our military ties to protect peace on the border,” Wei said.
Modi praised the “thousands of years of friendship” between India and China, saying his previous meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping had resulted in good relations.
Wei will also meet Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to further discuss security and stability on the border.
Between June and August last year, hundreds of Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a 73-day military standoff in Doklam, which China calls Donglang, an area claimed by both China and India’s ally Bhutan, as India strongly objected to China’s construction of a road there.
China claimed that its army was building the road within its territory and demanded an immediate withdrawal of Indian troops from the disputed plateau.
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