Beijing: China on Wednesday "appreciated" India`s
support in dealing with pro-Tibetan independence forces,
following a spate of self immolations by Buddhist monks after
New Delhi offered "any help" to ease tensions and said that
Tibetan issue is Beijing`s internal affair.
The tense situation prevailing in Tibet and the Tibetan
inhabited areas in China, following immolation attempts and
recent violent incidents figured in the talks between External
Affairs Minister S M Krishna`s and senior Chinese leaders here
today.
"We did discuss Tibetan issue also. It is government of
India`s position that the Tibetan Autonomous Region is part of
the People`s Republic China, (PRC) as a result of that we are
dealing with internal affairs of China," Krishna said, while
briefing Indian media after the talks.
"Hence we have to be very cautious and any help that we
can render to ease the tensions, we are too willing to do it.
But I do not think that situation will ever arise," he said,
replying to a question whether the Tibet issue was raised by
China during his talks.
Sixteen Buddhist monks have attempted self immolations in
the recent months and two persons have been killed in recent
violent demonstrations in Sichuan province, bordering Tibet.
Praising India`s stand, Zhou Yongkong, a member of the
Politburo Standing Committee of the ruling Communist Party of
China (CPC) told Krishna that China appreciated it.
"Tibetan issue concerns the core interest of China. The
Chinese Government firmly penalises according to law the
separatist activities of the so-called `pro-Tibet
Independence`, and safeguards the territorial integrity," a
statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Zhou
as telling to Krishna during their meeting. "China appreciates the firm support of the Indian
government over this issue", the statement added.
It quoted Krishna as saying that "Tibet is part of the
People`s Republic of China, and the Indian government does not
allow any force to use the Indian soil to carry out any
anti-China activities".
"India-China cooperation in various areas have been
fruitful in recent years. The two countries kept good
coordination and cooperation on important international
affairs. The India Government is committed to consolidate and
develop friendly cooperation with China," Krishna said, at the
meeting according to the press release.
Elaborating on India`s stand, Indian officials said India
is striking a cautious note on the Tibetan situation and want
to reiterate that New Delhi is sticking to its previous stand
that Tibet is part of China.
India also reportedly reiterated the stand that the Dalai
Lama is an honoured guest and his activities were not
political. China yesterday blamed the Tibetan Youth Congress
for the violence and self-immolations and vowed to put down
the violence.
Besides meeting Zhou, Krishna who was here to inaugurate
the new USD 10 million Embassy building met had a luncheon
meeting Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi followed by
meetings with Wang Jiarui, a senior official of the
International Department of the CPC and top Chinese diplomat
and State Counsellor, Dai Bingguo.
What started as a private visit aimed opening the
Embassy, Krishna`s visit went well with senior Chinese leaders
coming forward to meet him, officials said. Welcoming, Krishna
Zhou Yongkong expressed satisfaction over the pace progress in
the Sino-India relations. Here is enough space and opportunity
for the people of both the countries to develop together.
The bilateral relationship made good progress and "we are
satisfied with the progress," he said.
In his meeting with Krishan Dai said though it is a
private visit has become more than a visit.
"I believe the two neighbours certainly engaged in
flexible and practical ways to increase the exchanges".
For his part Krishna praised Dai playing a positive role
in improving India-China relations.
"We consider you as genuine friend of India. It would
not be an exaggeration to say that you guided the growth of
our relations during the last decade".
In his press briefing, Krishna said in his talks with
Yang he proposed that 2012 to be year of friendship and
cooperation, which Chinese leader has accepted which would
help the talks between the leaderships of the two countries
going.
He said based on his invitation Yang may visit, India
before President Hu Jintao`s visit to New Delhi to attend
BRICS summit to be held on March 28.
On the border issue, he said the special representatives
were engaged in finding a solution and come up with an
agreement. He said border is a complex issue and the two sides
had put in a mechanism recently to sort out any problems
arising at the border.
The first meeting of the border mechanism would be held
shortly. Variety of global issues including Syria, Iran,
Afghanistan, cooperation in G-20, climate issue and WTO
negotiations figured.
"It is a very satisfying day as it is it is launch of a
process of engagement with Chinese friends regarding the way
forward in 2012 on a variety of issues.
PTI
