
China has emphasised the importance of dialogue to resolve the long-standing border dispute with India, but gave enough indications that it is not up for mapping or demarcating the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Visiting defence minister Manohar Parrikar raised the issue of demarcating the LAC during meetings in Beijing, saying it could go a long way in reducing tension along the border and cutting down transgressions by border patrols.
“With regard to LAC, we can have further discussions on that. As for any breakthrough during the 19th session (of talks), I am not sure but I believe both sides have the willingness to continue with friendly discussions on that,” foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a regular news briefing.
“We have been working to resolve territorial disputes through negotiations and consultations. We have completely settled territorial disputes with 12 out of 14 land neighbours (except for India and Bhutan). Both history and practice have proven that it is practical to resolve territorial disputes through negotiations and consultations. It is also an approach advocated by international law,” she said.
“It reflects that both sides are willing to enhance strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in different fields through high-level exchanges,” she said.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, “China and India are two largest developing countries and major emerging economies as well as two significant forces that drive forward world multi-polarisation.” He added, “Close and amicable relations between China and India not only serve the interests of the two sides, but also contribute to peace and stability of the region and the whole world. We would like to work with India and continuously move forward China-India strategic cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity.”
By Premji