China's statement on troop retreat says both countries return after agreement

Beijing, Ta. 6 July 2020, Monday

Chinese troops have begun retreating in the Galvan Valley of Ladakh. The statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry came as a shock to the Chinese military. The ministry said a commander-level meeting was held between the two sides on June 30 in which the troops were withdrawing after reaching an agreement.

"A third commander-level meeting was held on June 30 between the Indian and Chinese forces in which the border dispute and the withdrawal of troops were agreed upon," a Chinese government spokesman was quoted as saying by Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijan. Both countries have made progress with effective measures in this regard.

Notably, Chinese troops are retreating from their positions in the Galvan Valley. The Indian Army is also returning from its position. After about 48 hours of in-depth diplomatic discussions, military engagements and contacts, the Chinese troops are ready to retreat. It was only after these meetings that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Leh in which he delivered a decisive message to China.

In this regard, Indian Army sources said that as per the decisions taken at the Corps Commander level meeting on the border dispute, the Chinese Army has withdrawn tents, vehicles and troops 1-2 km from the disputed area. However China’s heavily armed vehicles are still present in the deeper areas of the Galvan River region. However, the Indian Army is vigilant and monitoring the situation.

According to a report, Chinese troops have withdrawn from Patrol Point 14. It is to be mentioned that this is the place where the clash between the soldiers of both the countries took place. It is learned that the Indian Army has also returned a bit. However, there has been no official statement from the Indian military on the status of the Chinese military.