Doval in China: Mixed signals only add to the confusion

The military standoff began on June 16 after the Chinese army tried to build a road near the Bhutan trijunction.

The Chinese media is sending out mixed signals ahead of the visit by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. India's NSA, Doval would be in China on Thursday and Friday to take part in the BRICS summit. He is expected to raise the Doklam issue where India and China are locked in a standoff for the past 5 weeks.

While on one hand the Chinese media says that Doval would be key to the resolution of the conflict, on the other it has accused him of being the main schemer at Doklam.

In its editorial, 'It's never too late for India to mend its way', the China Daily pressed for exploring ways to avoid confrontation. The Global Times editorial, 'Doval visit won't sway China over border standoff', said Beijing would not talk until Indian troops were withdrawn.

The military standoff began on June 16 after the Chinese army tried to build a road near the Bhutan trijunction. India has protested the construction of the road, fearing it would allow China to cut India's access to its northeastern states.

"There are still hopes that the deadlock+ can be resolved peacefully, which serves both countries' best interests," the China Daily said.

"The two sides need to explore ways to avoid confrontation. It would be damaging to both countries and regional stability if India cannot use its reason and wisdom to avoid the military collision both countries are currently on course for," it said.

But The Global Times, part of the Communist Party's publication group, said in its editorial that Beijing will not "talk" until Indian troops were withdrawn.

"As Doval is believed to be one of the main schemers behind the current border standoff between Chinese and Indian troops, the Indian media is pinning high hopes on the trip to settle the ongoing dispute," the daily said.

"New Delhi should give up its illusions, and Doval's Beijing visit is most certainly not an opportunity to settle the standoff in accordance with India's will," it said.

It added that India should not take lightly yesterday's comments by the Chinese Defence ministry that New Delhi should not "harbour any illusions"+ and withdraw troops.

OneIndia News