Japan Backs India On Doklam, Says Tokyo Understands Why New Delhi Got Involved

Throwing its weight behind the position taken by India and Bhutan on China's attempt to build a road through Doklam plateau, Japan has said there should be no attempt to change the status quo on the ground by force.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Japanese ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu said Doklam is a disputed territory between China and Bhutan and his country understands why India has got involved in the dispute.

“We recognize Doklam is a disputed area between Bhutan and China and two countries are engaged in border talks… We also understand that the India has a treaty understanding with Bhutan that’s why Indian troops got involved in the area,” ambassador Hiramatsu was quoted as saying.

The Japanese statement comes as an endorsement of the Indian position as it takes a clear stand against China’s attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the region, violating agreements with India and Bhutan.

Japanese diplomats have been in touch with Indian officials since late June and have been briefed by Indian and Bhutanese government on the situation in Doklam, the Indian Express has reported, saying Tokyo has conveyed its unequivocal support to New Delhi and Thimphu through diplomatic channels. This development comes a month ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to India.