Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


India, China Agree to Pull Back Troops From Disputed Border Area

by VOA News

   TEASER: The agreement comes after a standoff that lasted several months

   India said Monday it reached an agreement with China to pull back
   troops from a disputed border area that has been the subject of a
   standoff dating back to June.

   India's Foreign Ministry said in a statement the two governments agreed
   to "expeditious disengagement" of personnel from the area after weeks
   of diplomatic exchanges.

   "During these communications, we were able to express our views and
   convey our concerns and interests," the ministry said.

   The tense standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the area
   between India's close ally, Bhutan, and China began when Indian troops
   were deployed to obstruct a Chinese road-building project at Doklam
   Plateau. The area also known as "Chicken's Neck" is hugely strategic
   for India because it connects the country's mainland to its
   northeastern region.

   India had cited its treaties with Bhutan, with which it has close
   military and economic ties, for keeping its soldiers in the area
   despite strident calls by Beijing to vacate the mountain region.

   The standoff is believed to be the most serious confrontation between
   the two Asian giants, who fought a brief war in 1962.