'Arunachal Pradesh Is An Integral And Inalienable Part Of India'

China expressed "strong dissatisfaction" on the PM's visit to Arunachal some days back, India expressed its "disappointment and concern" on the Chinese statement, people of the state showed their finger to the Chinese with a 72% turnout.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 13 October 2009 12:00 am

'Arunachal Pradesh Is An Integral And Inalienable Part Of India'

The offending remarks on the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs:

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu's Statement on Indian Leader's Visit to the Disputed East Section Area of China-India Boundary

On October 13, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu made a statement on Indian leader's visit to the disputed east section area of China-India boundary.

Ma Zhaoxu stated that China-India border has never been officially demarcated. The Chinese Government's position on the disputed area has been consistent and clear. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction on the visit by the Indian leader to the disputed area in disregard of China's grave concerns. We urge the Indian side to take China's solemn concerns seriously and do not stir up trouble at the disputed area with a view to ensuring the sound development of China-India relations.

India's ministry of external affairs responds:

The State of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. The people of Arunachal Pradesh are citizens of India, and they are proud participants in the mainstream of India’s vibrant democracy. The Chinese side is well aware of this position of the Government of India. It is well established practice in our democratic system that our leaders visit States where elections to Parliament and to the State Assemblies are taking place. The Government of India is deeply committed to ensuring the welfare of its own citizens across the length and breadth of our country.

2. India and China have jointly agreed that the outstanding Boundary Question will be discussed by the Special Representatives appointed by the two Governments. We, therefore, express our disappointment and concern over the statement made by the Official Spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since this does not help the process of ongoing negotiations between the two Governments on the Boundary Question. India is committed to resolving outstanding differences with China in a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable manner, while ensuring that such differences are not allowed to affect the positive development of bilateral relations. We hope that the Chinese side will similarly abide by this understanding.