Settlement of China-India boundary question in context of long-term interests, overall bilateral relationship: joint statement

China and India have reiterated their readiness to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution, through equal and friendly consultations and proceeding from the overall interests of bilateral relations in the settlement of the boundary question.

In a joint statement signed by visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in New Delhi Monday, the two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the discussions between the Special Representatives of the two countries and welcomed the conclusion of the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question.

"Both sides are convinced that an early settlement of the boundary question will advance the basic interests of the two countries and should therefore be pursued as a strategic objective, " the statement said.

They expressed their commitment to the mechanism of Special Representatives for seeking a political settlement of the boundary question in the context of their long-term interests and the overall bilateral relationship, the statement said.

Pending a final resolution, the two sides will continue to make joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas in accordance with the Agreements of 1993 and 1996, it said.

Both sides agreed that while continuing the discussions between the Special Representatives, it is also important that the Joint Working Group (JWG) continues its work to seek an early clarification and confirmation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Progress made so far on the clarification of the LAC in the China-India border areas was noted. It was agreed to complete the process of exchanging maps indicating their respective perceptions of the entire alignment of the LAC on the basis of already agreed parameters, with the objective of arriving at a common understanding of the alignment, as soon as possible, the statement said.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in the implementation of the agreements of 1993 and 1996 and agreed to fully implement them expeditiously.

Towards that end, they concluded a Protocol on Modalities for the Implementation of Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the Line of Actual Control in the China-India Border Areas.

In the joint statement, the Indian side reiterated that it recognized the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of the territory of the People's Republic of China and that it did not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities in India.

The Indian side recalled that India was among the first countries to recognize that there is one China and its one China policy remains unaltered. The Indian side stated it would continue to abide by its one China policy.

Both sides reviewed with satisfaction the implementation of the memorandum on the border trade through the Nathula Pass between the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China and the Sikkim State of the Republic of India.