CHINA SURRENDERS: China are to pull back troops from part of their disputed Himalayan border Pangong Lake: India and China to pull back from disputed border. India and China are to pull back troops from part of their disputed Himalayan border in what's seen as a breakthrough following a deadly clash in June. India's defence minister said the move to withdraw troops in Ladakh was the result of "sustained talks" between the nuclear-armed neighbours. His remarks came a day after a similar announcement from China. Tensions have been high since the clash that left 20 Indian soldiers dead and a number of reported Chinese fatalities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told India's parliament that since September, both sides had been communicating through military and diplomatic channels. He said that after nine rounds of meetings between senior military commanders, "we have been able to reach an agreement on disengagement in the north and south bank of the Pangong Lake". A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defence said on Wednesday that a "synchronised and organised disengagement" from Pangong Tso lake had started. Colonel Wu Qian said the disengagement was in accordance with consensus reached by both sides at during military commander-level talks. Indian and Chinese troops have been facing off on the north and south shores of the glacial lake that lies in territory claimed by both sides. The disputed 3,440km (2,100 mile) long de facto border - called the Line of Actual Control, or LAC - is poorly demarcated. The presence of rivers, lakes and snowcaps means the line can shift. The soldiers on either side - representing two of the world's largest armies - come face to face at many points. Relations have deteriorated since June as both sides traded accusations. In August, India accused China of provoking military tensions at the border twice within a week. China denied both charges and blamed India for the stand-off. In September, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. India accused China of firing into the air.