'Watching Closely and Carefully': US on India and China Border Standoff

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The United States is closely and carefully following the border standoff between India and China, the Trump Administration said today urging the two countries to engage in dialogue to "reduce tension". 

"This is a situation that we are following closely and carefully. I'd have to refer you to the governments of India and China for more information on that," State Department Spokesman Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference.

 Responding to a question, she said the Indians and Chinese are talking on those issues. "They're going to talk to one another," she said ahead of the Beijing visit of the National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval to attend the BRICS meeting on July 27 and 28.

 "We would encourage them to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions," Ms Nauert said. India yesterday said it is ready for talks with China with both sides first pulling back their armies to end the tense standoff in the Sikkim sector, stressing the need for a "peaceful resolution" of border issues. 

 Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a faceoff in Dokalam area in the southernmost part of Tibet in an area also claimed by Indian ally Bhutan for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area.

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