China has deployed more than 70 fighter jets in its Hotan Air Base in Tiber, only 370 KM from Ladakh. Reportedly, this act has been carried out by China ahead of its diplomacy talks with India on Friday. This is the 3rd round of diplomatic talks between the 2 countries, as India is pushing for complete disengagement.
These disengagement talks have been taking place since July 6, by means of representatives from each end. India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was present from China’s end.
It is to be noted that China had not recoiled its forces from the “Five Finger” region at Galwan valley, even after a series of talks held between both parties. Though there was some “thinning” of their presence, the levels of disengagement were still very meagre. The statement issued by the India’s Ministry of External Affairs following the first set of diplomatic talks observed that both sides should observe and respect the LAC and not take unilateral action that will alter the status quo and work together to avoid any incident that could disturb peace and tranquillity along the border.
This development has also been seen as a possible result of the news of Indian Air Force’s induction of its first batch of five Rafale fighter jets from France by July 29, to be deployed at Ladakh.