Pakistan and China's Border Commission Agreement Draws India's Reaction
India reacted to Pakistan and China operationalizing their border commission, stating that this step has no legal basis.
The operationalization of a commission by Pakistan and China coming together for border management and joint efforts has drawn a harsh legal objection and rejection from the administration in Delhi.
Harsh Reaction to the Border Agreement
India harshly criticized Pakistan and China for operationalizing the Pakistan-China Joint Border Commission.
The New Delhi administration stated that this mechanism, established over regions to which it lays claim, has no legal validity.
A Move Coming During a Sensitive Period
This development occurred during a sensitive period when India and China were trying to stabilize their relations following military tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
With the operationalization of the commission, the deepening of cooperation in areas such as border management, joint research, and trade between the two countries is targeted.
The Shaksgam Valley Dispute
The commission in question also covers the Shaksgam Valley, which Pakistan ceded to China in 1963 and which India claims as its own territory in the Ladakh region.
Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that there is no official border between Pakistan and China and that they reject the so-called commission.
The Parties' Differing Rationales
India argues that the land belonged to the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and was ceded to China after being illegally occupied by Pakistan.
Pakistan, on the other hand, asserts that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and that India has no right to object to the 1963 border agreement.
Strategic Infrastructure and Political Signal
Experts point out that the new mechanism means the revival of an old process included in the 1963 China-Pakistan Agreement.
It is noted that the new commission also aims to protect strategic infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and carries the character of a political message directed at India.