Chinese general warns India against provoking “new trouble”

Hours ahead of the arrival of defence minister A K Antony in Beijing for high-level talks, a hawkish Chinese general today warned India against provoking "new trouble" by increasing its military deployment at the border.

Major general Luo Yuan, executive vice president and secretary general of China Strategy Culture Promotion Association, said, there was no denying that there were tensions and problems between China and India particularly at the border areas.

He added, while talking to foreign correspondents, that there was still the problem of 90,000 sq km of territory still under Indian occupation.

He said, these were problems left over from history and needed to be looked at with a cool head.

His observations came in response to a  question about People's Liberation Army's (PLA) views on India-China relations against the backdrop of the defense minister's visit starting tonight.

"The Indian side should not provoke new problems and increase the military deployment at the border areas and start new trouble," General Luo, known for his hawkish and extreme views on China's strategic and military relations with its neighbours and the US, said.

He said, India was the only country in the world which said it was developing military power due to China's threat, adding that "India should be cautious about what it says and what it does".

Meanwhile, the DNA newspaper citing agency inputs, said India, only last month cleared the proposal of the army worth Rs81,000 crore to have a full-fledged Mountain Strike Corp for the eastern sector.

Raising of a dedicated Mountain Strike Corp would be finally cleared following a nod from the Cabinet Committee on security. Additionally, the  army was also seeking infrastructure at eastern border to upgrade swiftly to allow it to operate effectively in the difficult terrain along the over 4000 km boundary with China.

In addition to Strike Corps, the army also plans to raise two independent infantry brigades and two independent armoured brigades to counter Chinese offensive capabilities.

The navy is also strengthening its offensive capability with all its nuclear submarine would set for eastern sea bed. Indian navy was already patrolling South China Sea for the protection of India's interest.

With the border not clearly demarcated and both sides having differing perceptions at the Line of Actual Control, incursions are a regular feature. Issues are largely tackled at the military level through various exercises like banner drill and flag meetings at local commander level.