A day after the inauguration of 44 bridges built by the Border Roads Organisation to facilitate smooth movement of Indian armed forces, particularly along its northern borders, China on Tuesday described India’s development of border infrastructure, coupled with enhanced military deployment, as the “root cause” of the current tensions along the LAC. Iterating that China didn’t recognise what he described as the so-called Union Territory of Ladakh “set up illegally” by India and also Arunachal Pradesh, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Beijing opposed India’s infrastructure-building activity aimed at “military contention” in disputed border areas. India has maintained all along that all activities related to improvement of infrastructure in border areas have been carried out on its side of the line of actual control. Despite China repeatedly objecting to construction of roads in border areas in Ladakh, Indian government sources have said there will be no let-up in infrastructure-related work on the Indian side of the LAC. The Chinese statement, however, again underlines a toughening of stance at a time when Indian and Chinese troops are in close proximity along the LAC and even a false move can lead to hostilities. The remarks feed into the perception that both sides are in a cold haul through the winters. The remarks by the Chinese spokesperson, who also urged the Indian side to not take any action to complicate the situation, are significant also as they run counter to whatever little progress that might have been made in the 7th round of military talks for disengagement on Monday. A joint press release described the meeting as positive and constructive, adding that both sides had an 'enhanced understanding' of each other’s position on disengagement of frontline troops. This duality has marked a diplomatic and military cat and mouse game over the face-off.