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China's objection to President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to Arunachal is self-defeating

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Ananth Krishnan
Ananth KrishnanNov 23, 2017 | 10:56

China's objection to President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to Arunachal is self-defeating

Beijing seems compelled to make its displeasure known at every instance of an Indian leader's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. So it was at it once again this week. The Chinese government declared it was "firmly opposed" to President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to the state, where he addressed the assembly on Sunday, and said it "has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh".

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China's statements are usually reserved for visits of the prime minister and president to the state, and also trips by exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. (Beijing's reaction earlier this month to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit was unusual, and was possibly only because it was prompted by a question from Indian media at an office briefing.)

China's official news agency, Xinhua, on Monday reiterated this claim, saying that the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh was established largely on three areas of China's Tibet - Monyul, Loyul and Lower Tsayul - which are currently under India's illegal occupation. These three areas, located between the illegal 'McMahon Line' and the traditional customary boundary between China and India, have always been Chinese territory." It added: "In 1914, British colonialists secretly instigated the illegal 'McMahon Line' in an attempt to incorporate into India the abovementioned three areas of Chinese territory. None of the successive Chinese governments have ever recognised this line."

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China's maps still show the state as belonging to China, claiming a vast swathe of 90,000 sq km. The size of this claim, Indian officials say, has little basis in history.

India, on the other hand, claims 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin that is under Chinese control.

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In this instance, Beijing's statements come weeks before the 20th round of border talks between special representatives (SR) Ajit Doval and Yang Jiechi in New Delhi, in what might be Yang's last round as SR. He was promoted to the 25-member politburo in October and may take up a higher post in March as the Chinese Parliament convenes.

China's strategy is puzzling. It appears to want to use these visits to reiterate its territorial claims on the state, but this is despite the fact that Beijing is more than aware no Indian leader will ever consider the likelihood of ceasing visits to a state that is an integral part of India. China's PLA generals visit Aksai Chin every year, and India hasn't publicly opposed the visits.

Both India and China have publicly committed to settling the dispute through talks and a reasonable settlement that involves give-and-take from both sides. They have also committed to creating a favourable atmosphere to enable such a settlement.

But China's public statements only end up vitiating this atmosphere - as well as narrowing Beijing's own space for compromise considering the fanning of sentiments in China - and make progress on the boundary talks next to impossible. Beijing should consider that these public warnings are perhaps ultimately only self-defeating, as they end up achieving little else besides strengthening India's determination when it comes to safeguarding its territory.

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Last updated: November 23, 2017 | 10:56
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