China: 'India slapping its own face' with Ladakh road construction
What's the story
China has condemned India's plans to build a new road near Pangong Lake in Ladakh, where a scuffle recently took place between Indian and Chinese troops. "It seems that the Indian side is slapping its own face," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. India plans to build a 20-km road connecting Marsimik La and Hot Spring in Ladakh near Pangong Lake.
Background
India and China locked in bitter standoff at Doklam
For the past two months, Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a bitter standoff at Doklam, a Bhutanese territory, at the India-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction near Sikkim. New Delhi objects to China's attempts to build a road in Doklam which would place the Indian military at a strategic disadvantage. India has sought diplomacy and dialogue to solve the issue amid China's bellicose rhetoric.
Information
How India will benefit from road construction in Ladakh
India is building a larger 32.9-km standalone road, which once constructed, will allow military personnel to access remote areas in the east Ladakh region. The region earlier experienced aggression from China. Both countries are locked in a bitter dispute over the western sector of Ladakh.
China's statement
China accuses India of hypocrisy for building road amid Doklam
China claims the India's new road project is "in complete contradiction to its deeds in terms of the border issues." Hua said it "is not conducive to peace and stability in that area." "The Indian side is closely following China's road-building recently but India's actions themselves have proven that the Indian side says something and does another," Hua said referring to the Doklam standoff.