(a) whether the Chinese Foreign Minister visited India recently and held discussions with Indian leaders;
(b) if so, the details of discussions held;
(c) the outcome thereof;
(d) whether India conveyed its concern to him over the Chinese Military aid to Pakistan;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the Chinese response thereto?
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANT SINGH)
(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f): A Statement is placed on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE PLACED ON THE TABLE OF THE HOUSE WITH REFERENCE TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 334 FOR ANSWER ON AUGUST 16, 2000
China`s Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan visited India on July 21-22, 2000 at my invitation. During the ensuing talks, we discussed bilateral as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. Bilateral relations since my visit to China in June last year, were reviewed. We expressed satisfaction at the positive trends in our relations including the joint commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (April 1, 2000), and the visit of Rashtrapatiji to China from May 28-June 3, 2000. In my discussions with FM Tang, we agreed to promote bilateral economic relations, enhance military-to-military exchanges, convene the first meeting of the India-China Eminent Persons Group at an early date, and, raise the bilateral Security Dialogue to the level of Additional Secretary/Assistant Foreign Minister. We agreed also on expediting clarification of the LAC through more frequent meetings of the India-China Expert Group of Diplomatic and Military Officials.
Views were also exchanged on Indo-Pak relations, the problem of international terrorism, UN reforms and UN Security Council restructuring, and the situation in Afghanistan. I reiterated our position on resumption of dialogue with Pakistan. FM Tang said that China`s position on Indo-Pak issues, including the problem of Jammu & Kashmir, was well-known and that China stood for peace. On international terrorism, FM Tang expressed China`s opposition to all forms of terrorism and the use of terrorism to achieve political objectives and added that China supported international efforts to combat it. FM Tang stated that UN reforms must fully reflect the interests of developing countries and advocated greater consultations and consensus. I emphasised the adverse impact on India`s security of the narcotics trade originating from Afghanistan. FM Tang said that China supported a peaceful solution through dialogue and the formation of a coalition Government representing all parties within Afghanistan and endorsed by the international community.
FM Tang briefed me on the Taiwan issue and China`s position on Tibet. I reiterated our well-known and consistent position on these issues.
Sino-Pak military co-operation, which includes co-operation in the nuclear and missile field, has been raised with the Chinese side at various levels. I reiterated our concerns to Foreign Minister Tang in this regard. FM Tang said that China had normal state-to-state relations with Pakistan including normal military co-operation. He said Sino-Pak co-operation was not targeted against any third country.