China on Tuesday lodged a protest with India over the June 15 violent face-off between the troops of two countries, which it claimed took place when the Indian personnel crossed the border line for “illegal activities and provoked and attacked Chinese personnel” leading to serious physical conflict.
The protest was “mentioned” during a meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui, Indian Ambassador here Vikram Misri said.
When asked if China has lodged the protest, Mr. Misri said “Yes, it was mentioned in the meeting,” but clarified that he was not summoned.
“Summon is a wrong word,” Mr. Misri said when asked whether he was summoned by the Chinese foreign ministry.
According to the Indian Army, an officer and two soldiers were killed in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday during the violent face off with the Chinese troops, the first such incident on the India-China border in the last 45 years reflecting massive escalation.
The Indian Army also said there were casualties on both sides during the violent face-off. However, there was no immediate confirmation from Beijing on the likely casualties on the Chinese side.
“I am not aware of the information you provided,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in Beijing when asked about the reports of the Indian casualties at the contested borders.
