Reports of fresh face-off between India and China emerge

New Delhi : Chinese soldiers made a movement at Ladakh's Pangong Lake overnight to change the status quo in the area. It has been learned they tried to step in the area from south bank of the Pangong Lake with an aim to occupy the area.

According to a report by NDTV, sources have said that the Chinese troops came in "sufficient numbers". But, Indian Army was already aware of their move and planned a block in advance. No physical clashes took place and there is no face-off situation at present, sources said.

A large number of Indian soldiers have been placed in the area and are prepared to respond in all possible manners.

This morning, the government said that the Chinese troops' attempt to carry out "provocative military movements to change the status quo" near Pangong lake has been blocked by the Indian army. A Brigade Commander-level meeting is on at Chushul to defuse tension, the government said.

The new face-off like situation comes after five rounds of talks to diffuse the border tension between India and China since April-May.

In July, following talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, India and China had started the disengagement process. But it remained incomplete as the Chinese soldiers continued to occupy positions along Finger 5 and on slopes extending towards Finger 8.

Last week, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said India has "military options" to deal with China if the military and diplomatic level talks did not get the desired results.