A J-11 jet deploys a drogue parachute after landing during an combat training exercise in Tibet


Asked about the report during a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "I am not aware of the information mentioned by you. I may refer you to the military."

China today downplayed an official media report that its military is upgrading air defence along the Indian border and said both countries should work together to uphold peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

State-run Global Times on February 20 reported that China is upgrading air defence of its Western Theatre Command, which looks after the security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), to "confront any threat from India".

Asked about the report during a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "I am not aware of the information mentioned by you. I may refer you to the military."

Geng said, "We hope the Indian side can work with China to uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas because this is in common interests of both sides."

The Chinese Defence Ministry is yet to comment on the report.

In the report, the daily also quoted an expert as saying that the measure is aimed at "confronting any threat from India" in the light of India acquiring new fighter aircraft, an apparent reference to India's acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France.