India / Indian govt releases statement after China passes 'Land Boundary Law'

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday reacted to China's new "land boundary law" and said Beijing's unilateral decision to bring in legislation that can have implications on existing bilateral arrangements in border areas is a matter of concern.

"We have noted that China has passed a new "Land Boundary Law” on 23 October 2021. The law states among other things that China abides by treaties concluded with or jointly acceded to by foreign countries on land boundary affairs. It also has provisions to carry out reorganisation of districts in the border areas," MEA said in a statement.

The government noted that India and China have still not resolved the boundary question.

"Both sides have agreed to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution to the Boundary Question through consultations on an equal footing. We have also concluded several bilateral agreements, protocols and arrangements to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC in India-China border areas in the interim," MEA said.

"China’s unilateral decision to bring about a legislation which can have implication on our existing bilateral arrangements on border management as well as on the boundary question is of concern to us. Such unilateral move will have no bearing on the arrangements that both sides have already reached earlier, whether it is on the Boundary Question or for maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LAC in India-China Border areas," the government stated.

The government further affirmed that it expects China will avoid undertaking action under the pretext of the law which could unilaterally alter the situation in the India-China border areas.

Centre's response comes days after China adopted a new land border law amid military standoff with India.

The law, which becomes operational from January 1 next year, stipulates that "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China are sacred and inviolable".

The law also stipulates that the state shall take measures to strengthen border defence, support economic and social development as well as opening-up in border areas, improve public services and infrastructure in such areas, encourage and support people's life and work there, and promote coordination between border defence and social, economic development in border areas.