India must not misread patience as weakness

It is good that Beijing has turned down New Delhi's request for negotiation to resolve the standoff in Donglang. Accepting it would have made a simple matter complicated, or even worse, changed the nature of it.

It is better that it try to clarify the truths of the matter - past and present - as well as the Chinese stance, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has done by issuing a fact sheet, because whatever moves Beijing chooses to make next, or is pressed to make, it should first set the record straight.

The fact sheet makes clear the essential truth that Indian troops have violated Chinese sovereignty by crossing an undisputed stretch of border and they refuse to withdraw despite repeated Chinese protests, requests and warnings.