CPEC challenges Indian sovereignty: India Army Chief General Rawat

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said in his speech on Saturday that the multi-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) challenges Indian sovereignty, the Times of India reported.

Speaking at Savitribai Phule Pune University, General Rawat in his lecture titled, "India's challenges in the current geo-strategic construct", said that: “The CPEC passing through POK (sic) challenges India's sovereignty."

He also blamed China for the ongoing border skirmish with Indian forces at Doklam near Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction.

"During flag meetings with China, we tell them that we (India and China) should go back to the pre-June 16 position at Doklam plateau. But we haven't been able to come up with a resolution as there are different perceptions about how it should be done. Hence, it should be dealt with at diplomatic and political levels," he said.

Gen Rawat also said that  China continues to enhance influence in the regional security environment "by increasing defence/economic partnerships in the neighbourhood, especially in Pakistan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Myanmar".

Meanwhile, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff in his visit to the Headquarters of Special Security Division (SSD), which is responsible for the security of Chinese in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other projects, reiterated commitment to ensure CPEC's security

In his visit on March 11, COAS was given a detailed briefing on Integrated Security Mechanism led by the SSD. He reiterated Pak Army's commitment to ensure security for CPEC and the work force involved.

He emphasised upon the value we attach to the Chinese help and assistance extended in making this projects a success. COAS Bajwa also said that Pakistan Army is fully aware of the hostile agenda against CPEC and that the security forces are fully prepared to defeat their design