Shanghai, June 26
A day after External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha stated that China had accepted India’s sovereignty over Sikkim by opening Nathu La Pass for border trade, Beijing today once again asserted it was an issue left over by history that could not be settled “overnight”.
“We hope that the Sikkim issue can be settled step by step. History should be respected and at the same time realistic factors should also be considered,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said.
Mr Sinha, in an interview to the BBC yesterday, said China had accepted India’s sovereignty over Sikkim by opening Nathu La Pass for border trade between the two countries, leaving no room for any confusion or doubt on the issue.
“We have signed a joint declaration in which Nathu La has been recognised as a border point between India and China through which trade will be facilitated,” Mr Sinha had said.
Asked if this meant a tacit acceptance by China that Sikkim was an integral part of India, Mr Sinha said, “You can read the language for yourself. I do not know why there should be any doubt about anything”.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman termed as successful and fruitful Mr Vajpayee’s visit to China, saying that it would “definitely” boost Sino-Indian relations.
Mr Kong said Mr Vajpayee, who made the first visit to China as an Indian Prime Minister in a decade, held talks and met with Chinese leaders during his stay in Beijing.
More importantly, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Mr Vajpayee on Monday signed a declaration on principles for bilateral relationship and comprehensive cooperation, Mr Kong said. —
UNI
