New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the new bridge being built by China at the Pangong Tso region of Eastern Ladakh has been under illegal occupation by the Chinese for around 60 years and the Centre is monitoring Chinese activity closely.
According to reports, China has started construction of a bridge across the Pangong lake. The bridge over the narrow section of the 134 km lake is reported to be almost complete and is expected to enhance road connectivity for Chinese troops in the area.
Addressing the weekly media briefing here in the national capital, MEA spox Arindam Bagchi said, "Government monitoring this activity closely. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 yrs. As you are well aware that India has never accepted such illegal occupation.”
Bagchi reiterated that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the country's security interests are protected. As part of these efforts, the government has also, in the last seven years, increased significantly the budget for the development of border infrastructure and completed more roads and bridges than ever before.
"These have provided much-needed connectivity to the local population as well as logistical support to armed forces. The government remains committed to this objective”, he added.