HIGHLIGHTS
Pentagon, while refusing to take sides on the issue, has sought direct dialogue between India and China on reducing tension “free of any coercive aspects”.
In recent past few years, almost all the Chinese neighbours have been accusing Beijing of coercive tactics to settle border disputes.
WASHINGTON: India and China should engage in direct dialogue free of any “coercive aspects” to reduce the tension over a military stand-off in Doklam, the Pentagon has said.
Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face-off in Doklam area in the southernmost part of Tibet in an area also claimed by Indian ally Bhutan for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area.
“We encourage India and China to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and free of any coercive aspects,” Gary Ross, a defence department spokesman said.
Ross, however, refused to take sides on the issue.
Reduce tension through direct dialogue: Pentagon to India, China
