China raises Sikkim boundary dispute during Pranab visit

In fact, Yang is said to have gone a step further and told Mukherjee that the Indian government was not getting accurate reports. According to him, there was a “difference” in the reports being sent by Indian “border patrol” and what was finally reaching the government, thus suggesting a disconnect in government perception and ground realities.

For his part, Mukherjee chose not to counter it, but raised the other issue of arms supplies to the North-East and the area ceded by Pakistan to China in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. He suggested that these be discussed between Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei separately.

While agreeing to the suggestion, the Chinese side was quick to add the “Sikkim issue” as the third item on the agenda of the two officials.

It’s learnt that China also raised strong objection to the media prominence being given to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Youth Congress protestors in India. When Mukherjee sought to explain that India was a multi-party democracy with a free media, Yang is said to have responded that China was aware about how the Indian government works but maintained its concerns over the Dalai Lama being allowed to freely use the media platform.

On the overall boundary question, the Chinese side conveyed that it was willing to hold the meeting of the Special Representatives within this month. In fact, the discussion started with Mukherjee acknowledging that SRs had submitted drafts of a possible framework agreement to respective governments based on the political parameters agreed between both countries in 2005. And so, he suggested that the SRs should meet this year, but the Chinese side felt the meeting ought to be sooner and within this month. Dates are being worked out, sources said.

Both sides agreed that there were “substantial differences” in the two drafts, which needed to be narrowed down through deliberations. The two SRs have followed a step-by-step approach, moving progressively from the least contentious to the most contentious. As a result, the Tawang issue is expected to be kept aside at the moment.

It is in this context that the controversy created by a Chinese claim of 2.1 sq km area in Sikkim’s northernmost tip known as Finger Area has added to the complexity. The Sikkim border was considered settled and no dispute existed in this sector until this claim few months ago. India, however, is keen to ensure that this latest claim remains delinked from the boundary negotiations and is settled through other military and diplomatic channels.

Besides this, the two sides agreed to hold the defence secretary-level defence dialogue some time in December. Even the next joint military exercises, sources said, will be held towards the end of the year.

On the other issues of backing India’s candidature for permanent membership to the UN Security Council and also supporting a special exemption for India at the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China had one standard statement at the talks: “We understand your aspirations and we will take the appropriate decision at the appropriate time.”

Russia’s move to provide an endorsement to India’s UNSC aspirations through the joint declaration issued after the meting between the foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India and China at Yekaterinburg last month was scuttled by Beijing which refused to include this in the statement.

Mukherjee, who also met Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping, could not meet Wen Jiabao much to the annoyance of the Indian side. The Chinese side took the plea that Wen had to suddenly travel to earthquake-affected areas despite the fact that the meeting was fixed well in advance.

Sticky issues

Sikkim “Finger Area” issue: China expresses concern for the first time at the political level. Says Indian government does not have accurate reports. Both sides ask senior officials to discuss the matter and report back

Chinese weapons in the North-East and PoK: India suggests detailed official level discussions on this. China agrees to the proposal.

Boundary Question: China suggests that Special Representatives meet within this month to narrow down differences on the two drafts of the framework agreement.

UNSC permanent membership and NSG waiver: China says it will take a decision on its support only when the appropriate time comes.

Defence: Both sides agree to hold defence dialogue and joint military exercises some time in December