America stands with India against Chinese intimidation, says US

Indian Army soldiers unfurl Tricolour, in Galwan Valley on New Year. Pic/ANI

The US has asserted that it stands with India against Chinese intimidation after Beijing deputed a PLA officer, who was part of the military command that attacked Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley in 2020, as a torchbearer for the Beijing Winter Olympics.

China on Wednesday fielded a regiment commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) involved in the June 2020 clash to carry the Winter Olympics torch in Beijing, prompting India to announce a diplomatic boycott of the event.

Prabhjot Singh (centre) along with his family members cry over the body of Satnam Singh who was killed in Galwan, in Punjab on June 18. Pic/AFP

State Department spokesperson Ned Price US has previously voiced its concern over Beijing's pattern of ongoing attempts to intimidate its neighbours.

"When it comes to the broader issue of India-China border situation, we continue to support direct dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the border disputes," Price said.

"We have previously voiced our concerns on Beijing's pattern of ongoing attempts to intimidate its neighbours. As we always do, we stand with friends. We stand with partners and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security and values in the Indo-Pacific," he said.

The US, India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's aggressive military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region which is also crucial for global trade and shipping.

China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. China also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea.

Two top American senators have slammed China for its decision to field the PLA officer as the torchbearer for the Games Torch Relay.

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