RAO-CHINA 2LST

Asked on the media reports that Chinese seem to only
accept 2,000 kilometres as the border between the two
countries, not 3500, and the missing 1500 is in fact right
along Aksai Chin, Rao said the government has been aware of it
for some time.
"First of all let me say that this is not a position
that we came across Monday or day before Monday. We have
been aware of it for some time. Obviously there are
differences of perception, there are divergences between China
and India on the length of the border," she added.
Queried whether it is an indication from the Chinese
that they do not recognise Kashmir as India's sovereign
territory, Rao said, "It is really up to the Chinese to
clarify that issue."
"I think it would be in nobody's interest for this to
become an obstacle in the relationship. And that is why we say
the ball is in the Chinese court when it comes to stapled
visas, when it comes to clarifying their position in such
matters," she said.
Asked whether India is worried about China's
increasing involvement in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, she
referred to China-Pakistan relationship which has acquired
momentum over the last five decades, especially after the
India-China conflict over the border in 1962.
"And it (Chian-Pakistan ties) shows no signs of
diminishing. We are completely aware of this. It is not that
we have sought to turn a blind eye to it when we engaged the
Chinese. What is important now is that we are directly raising
issues of concern with the Chinese side in a very candid and
in a very forthcoming way," she said.
Rao said there is much more confidence in the
government about "asserting our positions."
When asked about trade ties, particularly about trade
imbalences affecting India, Rao said China took the issue
trade imbalence "seriously" and they intended to work towards
reducing this.
Asked about apprehension that Beijing and Islamabad
may work together posing for India the unique problem of two
troublesome neighbours on the north and the west, she said
India will have to go smartly about dealing with such
scenarios.
When asked whether it would be a cause for concern if
China replaces America as the biggest super power, she said,
"It should concern every Indian and I think it should really
spur us on to narrowing this divide or this gap in the race
with China."
"It should not be a relationship defined by
competition or rivalry alone because it does not suit either
country. Look at the stakes involved. Look at the tasks before
us in terms of our development. Look at the miles that we have
to cover," she said. PTI