We have mechanism to resolve dispute: Ministry of External Affairs

Even as assertive China on Friday justified its construction activities in Doklam as "legitimate" saying that they are aimed at improving the life of the troops posted there, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) here said both the countries have established mechanisms to resolve any "misunderstanding".

Responding to questions on reports of Chinese military construction MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "The status quo at the face-off site has not been altered. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and mischievous."

He said India was keeping a constant vigil on developments which have a bearing on national security. "We are taking all necessary steps to safeguard it. The two sides do have, and have used established mechanisms to resolve any misunderstanding," Kumar said. He refused to comment on Army chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks which are at variance with the statement issued by the MEA. The Army chief had said that Chinese have carried out some "temporary" infrastructure development in the area.

Earlier China justified its construction activities in the disputed area, describing it as "legitimate" and which were aimed at improving the lives of its troops and the people living on its own territory. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang's also said, "China's position on the Donglong (Doklam) area is quite clear. Donglong always belonged to China and always under China's effective jurisdiction. There is no dispute in this regard."