China 'fears' India's rapid border capacity building: Antony

Facing attack over its China policy, government today asserted in Parliament that capacities are rapidly being built along the Line of Actual Control and China "fears" India is trying to catch up with it which sometimes results in face-offs between the two armies.
Rubbishing reports that China had occupied 640 km of Indian land in Ladakh, Defence Minister A K Antony asserted in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha that no territory has been ceded to that country.
He conceded that China was "superior" in terms of border infrastructure as India, because of 1962 war, was late in deciding on building roads and other capabilities near the Line of Actual Control, which he described as a "collective failure".

Making statements in the two Houses, he said all steps are being taken to safeguard national security while seeking a peaceful solution to the long-pending boundary disputes between the two sides.
His statements came after Opposition parties and UPA ally Samajwadi Party targetted the government over its dealing with China despite repeated incursions and other provocative acts.
"I have no hesitation to say that China is in a better position than India in terms of border infrastructure. It is a mistake, it is all of us who are to be held collectively responsible for it. It is a historical legacy," Antony said.

After "years of neglect", he said India is fast developing capabilities near the China border, including building of roads, raising of two mountain Divisions, many new airfields and landing grounds.
"It is their fear that India is trying to catch up with them," he said answering questions over the reason for increased incursions by Chinese troops over the last few years.