China plays down Narendra Modi's 'expansionist mindset' remark

Narendra Modi, addressing the Vijay Sankalp Abhiyan rally at Pasighat in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, took on China over its 'mindset of expansionism'.

Beijing:  China's Foreign Ministry today sought to play down remarks by Narendra Modi, after the BJP's prime ministerial candidate on Saturday asserted that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of India.

India and China fought a brief border war in 1962 over the region at the eastern end of the Himalayas. The nuclear-armed neighbours signed a pact in October to ensure that differences on their shared border do not spark a confrontation.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about Mr Modi's comments, said that China was dedicated to promoting friendly relations with its neighbours and to resolving disputesthrough talks.

"The China-India border issue is one that has been left over from history. That being said, it is quite a complex and sensitive problem. It cannot be resolved by one or two rounds of talks," she told a daily news briefing.

"What is important is that China and India have both expressed many times their determination and desire to peacefully resolve the dispute through talks, dialogue and consultation," she added.

Before a final resolution is reached, both sides should work hard to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border, Ms Hua said.

"The fact that there have been no shots fired in so many years really shows that both sides have the desire and ability to maintain peace and stability on the border," she said.

Last May, the two armies were locked in a three-week standoff in Ladakh after Chinese troops set up acamp at least 10 km inside Indian territory, triggering a public outcry and calls that India should stand up to its powerful neighbour.