(a) whether the present border between India and China is recognised by China;
(b) if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the first ever India-China Security dialogue took place in March, 2000;
(d) if so, the extent to which the dialogue provided an opportunity to both the countries to explain their respective view points;
(e) the main differences that persist between the two countries; and
(f) further steps proposed for improving relations with China?
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.449 FOR ANSWER ON APRIL 26, 2000
A resolution of the boundary question between India and China is yet to be achieved. China does not accept the customary and traditional alignment of the boundary between India and China, which is based on well-established geographical principles confirmed by treaties and agreements, as well as historical usage and practice, well-known for centuries to both sides. The Chinese position is that the boundary between the two countries has not been formally delimited, that there exists a traditional customary line formed by the extent of jurisdiction exercised historically by each side, and, that the two sides have different interpretations of the position of the traditional, customary line.
The first round of India-China Security Dialogue was held in Beijing on March 6-7, 2000. The boundary question is being discussed in the framework of the India-China Joint Working Group on the Boundary Question (JWG). The last meeting of the JWG was held in Beijing on April 26-27, 1999. The next meeting of the JWG is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on April 28-29, 2000. India and China have reiterated the objective of seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question. The Agreement on Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility, along the Line of Actual Control, in the India-China Border Areas (1993), and the Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field, along the Line of Actual Control, in the India-China Border Areas (1996), provide an institutional framework for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas.
As is well-known, China continues to be in illegal occupation of (approx.) 38,000 sq. kms in the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan `Boundary Agreement` of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. kms. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. China claims approximately 90,000 sq. kms. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh. The boundary question apart, we have concerns relating to China`s position on issues which adversely affect India`s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Following my visit to China in June 1999, our relations have improved. Exchanges in diverse fields, including at the governmental, parliamentary, non-governmental, people-to-people and other levels are taking place.
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Murasoli Maran visited China and co-chaired the Sixth Meeting of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade and Science & Technology in Beijing on February 21-22, 2000. Our two countries jointly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations through organisation of a series of commemorative events.
The President will undertake a State visit to China in May this year.
These are positive trends in our relations. We seek friendly, co-operative, good neighbourly and mutually beneficial relationship with China on the basis of Panchsheel.