Indian soldiers patrol border area (Photo: PTI)

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Tuesday made the claim at a briefing in Beijing that both countries have completed troops withdrawals in most border areas and are maintaining close diplomatic contact. The Indian Foreign Ministry says that the two countries have only agreed to withdraw soldiers soon and may soon hold further talks.

Indian sources say that although China has withdrawn its troops from many locations, it still maintains a large number of troops and military equipment along the border with India.