India and China began to withdraw their troops from Pangong Lake, a disputed area along the Actual Control Road (LAC), after an eight-month stalemate.

Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesman Wu Khiem said the two sides began a "simultaneous" planned and orderly "withdrawal" on February 10.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Uong Van Ban confirmed the start of the withdrawal and urged the Indian side to maintain its commitment.

"We hope the Indian and the Chinese side will act in the same direction, strictly implement the consensus that both sides have reached and ensure a smooth implementation of the withdrawal process," said Uong.

Pangong Lake, between India-controlled Ladakh and China-controlled Aksai Chin, is one of the most disputed areas along the Actual Control Line (LAC) between the two countries.

The withdrawal is seen as a positive sign in the worst military confrontation in the Himalayas in decades between two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Beijing and New Delhi are both committed to peaceful settlement of the crisis.

The withdrawal came the day after US President Joe Biden telephoned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.