'India-China Joint Statement a Positive Development but Doubts Remain on China's Future Actions'

In an interview to Karan Thapar for The Wire Nirupama Rao made a point of drawing attention to some of the language in the Chinese readout of the Foreign Ministers’ meeting. She said the phrase “China’s stern position” and another phrase “the imperative is to immediately stop provocations such as firing” are clearly a sign that China’s attitude and outlook is conditioned by an attempt to define who is in the right or wrong. She said these are discordant words and clearly suggest that when China subsequently talks of moving back personnel and equipment that have trespassed as well as quickly disengaging troops and de-escalating the situation, it has India in mind rather than itself.
However, Mrs. Rao accepted that it was “certainly noteworthy that the Chinese readout has not apportioned blame” specifically or outspokenly. This is strikingly different to what the Chinese Defence Minister said last week.