India and China

India and China are the two great giants of Asia. They are also two of the most ancient civilisations of the world. Historically, several historians have successfully traced the cultural linkages dating back to 2nd century BC.

Boundary Dispute between India and China

The 1950s were marked by the boundary dispute between India and China. The flash point of which unfortunately caused a war between the two countries in 1962, China continued extending its borders and constructed a 110-mile-long road.

In 1959 China put claim to some miles of Indian territory and denied the validity of McMahon Line. China-India relations did not show any improvement, China has done friendship with other countries to isolate India.

Normalisation of Relations

The two countries resumed diplomatic relations in 1976 by exchanging ambassadors. The efforts of normalisation of Sino-Indian relations received a boost when the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi paid a visit to China in 1988.

The two countries pledged to settle the border dispute through dialogue. Several high levels visits followed including visit by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003. Both are agreed to keep the border dispute apart and develop friendly relations in other fields.

Until the border dispute is resolved both countries agreed to maintain peace and tranquility on LAC.

Other Points

• India fully supported China’s claim for membership in the United Nations.
• India also acknowledged China’s claim over Formosa (Taiwan).
• China appreciated India's neutral and mediatory role in easing the Korean problem.