External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accused China of attempting to change the Line of Actual Control (LAC) unilaterally in an interview with Austrian news outlet ZIB2. He cited instances in the Galwan Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tawang where agreements between India and China to not amass forces in border areas were not observed, leading to the current tense situation. Jaishankar also noted that satellite pictures and transparency make it clear which side first moved forces to the border areas.
Recently, India and China held the 17th Round of Corps Commander Level Meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on December 20 and agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector.
Commenting on India which is likely to overtake China as the most populous country, and its place in world politics, Jaishankar said, “India will probably overtake China as the world’s most populous country within this year. Is this fact of any political significance to India, or is it just a mere statistic? You know, we’ll know that when we reach there, won’t we? Because we have never used numbers in that manner. Maybe other countries have. I would still say it is a statistic to a large extent,” to ZIB2.
He also highlighted the need for reforms in the United Nations, saying that the world’s most populous country is not among the permanent members of the Security Council.
Jaishankar also emphasised that the United Nations (UN) is not evenly represented, with entire regions such as Africa, Latin America, and developing countries being underrepresented. He noted that while the UN was created in 1945, it is now 2023 and progress towards reform has been slow. He acknowledged that the process of reform is difficult but emphasised the need to increase efforts and push for change, particularly in underrepresented parts of the world where such reform is considered essential.
Source: ANI
