A Global Times article (October 14) and a Global Times editorial (October 15), both reporting on
the MoU signed between China and Bhutan on October 14 agreeing to a three-step plan for settling
the boundary issue, were very critical of India. Reflecting the current tensions and strained bilateral
relations, the Global Times articles accused India of preparing to play the spoiler when actual
negotiations begin or reach a crucial stage. They also stated that: "According to a list of facts
released by the Xinhua News Agency, the 1890 Convention has made it clear that the China-India
boundary in the Sikkim sector commences at Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen on the Bhutan frontier. Mount
Ji Mu Ma Zhen is the eastern starting point of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector and it
is also the boundary tri-junction between China, India, and Bhutan. The Indian troops' trespassing
occurred at a place on the China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector, more than 2,000 meters away
from Mount Ji Mu Ma Zhen. Matters concerning the boundary tri-junction have nothing to do with
this incident. There is no dispute in this section of border." Zhang Yongpan, a research fellow of the
Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was quoted as saying "India should take note from the China-Bhutan MoU as India has repeatedly undermined
peace and tranquillity in the border areas between China and India, violated the agreement and
undermined the development achievements of China-India relations over the years". He added that
since 1985, Bhutan has begun to establish diplomatic relations with many countries and maintained
trade relations with China, "however, due to interference by the Indian government, there are many
difficulties for Bhutan on the road of establishing diplomatic relations between China. In a certain
sense, the three-step negotiation on the boundary issue could be an important foundation for
diplomatic relations between the two sides".
(Comment: The statement contests the Indian position by asserting that Gyemochen is the eastern
starting point of the China-India boundary in the Sikkim sector and it is also the boundary trijunction between China, India and Bhutan". China’s contention is that Gyemochen is the tri-junction
and watershed while the Geological Survey of India maps of 1956 shows Batang La, 18 km north,
as the watershed and tri-junction. The McMahon Line too goes eastward from Batang La. The
central issue for the Doklam stand-off was this.)
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