Amidst India-China standoff, Bhutan rebutted China’s claims about the road construction in Dongalang of Sikkim. It was said to be legitimate, which Bhutan proved to be false. Bhutan launched a formal protest with Beijing and asked it to “stop the work immediately” around Army camps of Bhutan.
Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan, on Wednesday called this “violation of an agreement between the two countries.” He added, “Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquility should be maintained in the area.”
On Wednesday, China accused India of ‘raising the issue’ on Bhutan’s part said, “Donglang is part of China’s territory. This is indisputable.” Lu Kang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “The Donglang area belonged to China since ancient times and it doesn’t belong to Bhutan. India wants to raise an issue with this part. I should say it doesn’t belong to Bhutan, nor it belongs to India.”
He added, “If any third party, out of hidden agenda, interferes it is disrespect of the sovereignty of Bhutan. We don’t want to see this as Bhutan is a country entitled to sovereignty by the international community.”
As part of the protest, on Tuesday, China blocked the entry of Indian pilgrims who were traveling to Kailash-Mansarovar in Tibet from the Nathu La pass. They alleged Indian troops crossed the Sikkim border into Chinese territory and demanded immediate withdrawal.
The Chinese government spokesperson released a diplomatic protest lodged with India both in New Delhi and Beijing.
