Beijing, December 11

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said China handled the Indian troops’ “trespass” into Doklam area with “restraint” and through diplomacy, demonstrating the “value and emphasis” Beijing attaches to its ties with India.Ahead of his visit to India, Wang said China always values the good-neighbourliness and friendship with India “as we are each other’s big neighbours and ancient civilisations.” “In the meantime, China is also firm in upholding its sovereign rights and interests and territorial integrity,” Wang told a symposium here on Saturday.“We handled the Indian border troops’ trespass into China’s Dong Lang (Doklam) area in our national interest, on just grounds and with restraint,” Wang was quoted as saying by the Foreign Ministry, which posted an English version of his speech on its website. “Through diplomatic means, we engaged with the Indian side and it withdrew its equipment and personnel,” Wang said for the first-time outlining China’s approach to ties with India post Doklam standoff. — PTI