New Delhi: China is seeking to de-link its aggressive actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) against India from the overall bilateral relations between the two countries, an attempt which has been rejected by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Singh Thursday “categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquility at the borders”.
Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister General Li Shangfu, who held bilateral talks with Singh Thursday, sought to school India on how it should see the bilateral relations.
A statement released by the People’s Liberation Army after the meeting between the two leaders, quoted General Li as saying that, as major neighbouring countries and important developing nations, China and India share far more common interests than differences.
“The two sides should view bilateral relations and each other’s development from a comprehensive, long-term and strategic perspective, and jointly contribute wisdom and strength to world and regional peace and stability,” the statement said.
According to the statement, General Li pointed out that currently, the situation on the China-India border is “generally stable” and the two sides have maintained communication through military and diplomatic channels.
“The two sides should take a long-term view, place the border issue in an appropriate position in bilateral relations, and promote the transition of the border situation to normalised management,” it said.
The PLA added, “It is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and make proper contributions to the development of bilateral relations.”
As reported by ThePrint Thursday, Singh rejected Chinese attempts to de-link border tensions from overall bilateral relations by making it clear that PLA’s violation of the LAC has “eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations”.
‘Military cooperation can progress only if peace & tranquility established at border’
Sources in the defence and security establishment told ThePrint that Singh had made it clear that military cooperation between the two countries can progress only if peace and tranquility were established at the border.
Singh said that after disengagement, there should be movement towards de-escalation and expressed hope for a positive response.
The Defence Minister told his Chinese counterpart that India wants to improve relations with China, but it can happen only after peace and tranquility are restored at the border, they added.
Sources said that India made it clear that the onus was on China to bring the bilateral relations back on track.
(Edited by Richa Mishra)
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