China has indicated that India should be prepared for “substantial adjustments” on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) even as it has yet again mouthed “a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution” to the longstanding border dispute.This was communicated by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in a 25-minute meeting with PM Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the East Asia summit last Wednesday in response to latter’s comment that there was political consensus in India for resolution of the boundary dispute. Wen’s comment of substantial adjustments on the LAC refers to Beijing’s claim on Tawang as well as other adjustments in the Aksai Chin area. National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, also the Indian Special Representative on the boundary question, was present in this meeting.While nuances are the buzzwords of Indian diplomacy, Wen’s response to India seeking Beijing’s support at the NSG for Indo-US civil nuclear agreement was elliptical and a reiteration of China’s ambiguous stance. Rather than address the question squarely, top Government sources said Wen quoted a reply that he had given to an Australian journalist. The Chinese Premier said he had told this journalist that his country was for civil nuclear cooperation with India but “subject to international treaties and obligations”. However, there was positive movement in bilateral trade ties with both countries aiming at $30 billion trade by the end of this decade. Wen also responded positively to the Indian request that both countries should work towards a free trade agreement. Besides, Beijing wanted India to give China “market economy status” as under the WTO one cannot impose anti-dumping duties or tariffs on fellow member without following elaborate procedures. Apart from mouthing sonorous platitudes like “friendship with India is the strategic and long term objective of China”, Wen conveyed Beijing’s happiness at Congress President Sonia Gandhi visiting China last month. He also reiterated Beijing’s desire that Manmohan Singh visit China early next year.
