New Delhi, 3rd November 2022: On Wednesday (November 2), a senior US defense official said that America is also keeping an eye on China’s activity near border areas.
Rear Admiral Michael L Baker said, “Working closely with New Delhi, the US is monitoring China’s moves along India’s northern borders amid the ongoing border standoff between India and China over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Ladakh sector. This is certainly an important area for the US.”
He said, “We remain vigilant. We work closely with India to exchange our views on this area to make sure that what is happening here. I think this is a place where both India and the US are going to keep an eye on. We cannot take our eyes off regional security issues.”
The border standoff between India and China has completed three years. Both sides have had partial success in withdrawing their troops from some disputed areas along the LAC. Negotiations are also on to end the deadlock.
Lt (Retd) General Vinod Bhatia, Former Director General of Military Operations, said, “The US will definitely monitor the situation in the LAC as it is a flashpoint. India is capable of stopping China’s aggressive behavior on the northern borders on its own strength.”
Responding to a question about Beijing’s moves in the disputed South China Sea, Baker said, “They have a very aggressive stance in the South China Sea. The US public position on this too is quite clear. It’s something we need to be careful and cautious about. It is important to help countries across the region choose security partners.”
Regarding the growing cooperation between Russia and China, Baker said, “Russia is waging an aggressive and unfair war in Ukraine. It is getting support from China. It is not in accordance with international law. The UN is against the mandate of the country.”