New Delhi: Japan fully supported India in its protracted military confrontation with China in Doklam, near the Sikkim-Tibet-Bhutan Triennial, saying that no country should use unilateral forces to change the status quo on the ground.
Recognizing the situation on the Doklam plateau, Japanese ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, said: “We recognize that Doklam is a disputed area between Bhutan and China and that the two countries are engaged in border talks. Indian troops were involved in the area, “according to local media.
The support of Japan’s position in India is a significant development at the regional level, as China has violated agreements with Japan and not only with India and Bhutan. It is pertinent to mention that Japan is also committed to the question of sovereignty with China over the East China Sea.
The Government of Bhutan had previously said: “Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear.”
In response to developments in Doklam, the Government of Bhutan had issued a press release on 29 June stating clearly that the construction of the road in the territory of Bhutan is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the demarcation process of the Border between the two countries.
China is trying to build a road through the Doklam Plateau, which is part of Bhutan, a development that would be a serious drawback to India’s military defenses.
Meanwhile, as the Doklam detachment enters its third month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated that PLA troops would continue to defend Dong Lang, which is Chinese territory, and India should withdraw all His troops and equipment there.
The stand-off began when China began building a road in the area. India opposed road construction after Chinese troops ignored Bhutan’s protests, sparking the June 16 clash.
Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has reiterated that India’s roadmap is peace and that talks are underway to resolve the issue diplomatically.
India has made clear its position that peace on the border can be resolved diplomatically and not through war.
