China denies mining in disputed area

China on Monday said it was carrying out “geological and scientific research” on its own territory, in response to a report in a Hong Kong-based daily that Beijing was conducting mining activity close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh.

“I have also noted the report mentioned by you. The area mentioned by the report totally belongs to China’s territory. China conducts regular geological and scientific research on its own territory. It is completely within China’s sovereignty,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.

A report in the South China Morning Post said China has begun large-scale mining operations on its side of the disputed border with India in the Himalayas, where a huge trove of gold, silver and other precious minerals – valued at nearly $60 billion by Chinese state geologists – has been found. But the report also quoted “people familiar with the project” as saying that the mines were part of an ambitious plan by Beijing to reclaim South Tibet — the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh.

Mr. Lu said the media should stop hyping up “groundless reports.”

He stressed that the area mentioned by the report was Chinese territory and geological and scientific research activities were being conducted there.

Mr. Lu said China has never recognised “so-called Arunachal Pradesh” as part of India. But he pointed out that China and India were now engaged in negotiations to resolve the boundary issue and to seek a fair and justified solution to it. “Before we resolve the issue, we hope India can abide by the agreements between the two countries and abide by the Line of Actual Control and stop hyping up and work with China to jointly maintain the peace, stability of the border areas,” he observed.