China is a powerful country but we are not a weak nation: Army Chief

Acknowledging that China is exerting pressure on the Indian border, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today said that China is a powerful country but we are not a weak nation.

“The time had come for India to shift focus to its northern border. The country is capable of handling China’s assertiveness. China is a powerful country but we are not a weak nation,” the Army chief said.

Recognising the threat posed by China on the border, the Army chief said that the troops are ready to tackle any aggressive manoeuvre by China.

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Yes, China is exerting pressure. We are dealing with it. Yes we should try that it is not escalated. We will not allow our territory to intruded. Troops are earmarked, should a situation arise our troops are ready to cater: Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat in Delhi pic.twitter.com/Heuw6N7QVK

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2018

Referring to the US’ warnings to Pakistan over its ‘handling of terrorism’, Rawat said India will have to wait and see its impact.

“Terrorists are a disposable commodity in Pakistan and the Indian Army approach has been to ensure that it feels the pain,” he said.

On being asked about ‘tackling insurgency’ in Kashmir, the Army chief said that the counterinsurgency operations will be shifted to northern areas this year.