India urged to maintain tranquillity on border

Indian and Chinese national flags flutter side by side at the Raisina hills in New Delhi, India, in this file photo. （Photo/Xinhua）

China urged India on Wednesday to refrain from moves that would complicate boundary issues and take concrete actions to safeguard peace and tranquillity in border areas.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made the remarks in response to Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu's recent visit to the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh", a disputed area on the China-India border.

Naidu's visit to the area came two days before the 13th round of the China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting held on Sunday. The Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army had accused New Delhi of insisting on making unreasonable and unrealistic demands, which added difficulties to the negotiations.

China's position on border affairs has always been consistent and clear, Zhao said, adding that the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh".

He expressed firm opposition to Naidu's visit to the area.

"China urges the Indian side to earnestly respect China's major concerns, stop taking any action that would complicate and expand the boundary issue, and refrain from undermining mutual trust and bilateral relations," he said.

"It should instead take real actions to maintain peace and stability in the China-India border area, and help to bring China-India relations back onto the track of sound and steady development," Zhao added.

The so-called "Arunachal Pradesh" was established largely in three areas of China's Tibet－Monyul, Loyul and Lower Tsayul－which are currently under India's illegal occupation. These areas, located between the illegal "McMahon Line" and the traditional boundary, have always been Chinese territory.

In 1914, British colonialists secretly introduced the illegal "McMahon Line" in an attempt to incorporate these three areas of Chinese territory into India. None of the successive Chinese governments have ever recognized this line.

In February 1987, Indian authorities declared the founding of the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh".