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There are only 2 disputed areas raised in 24 boundary talks since 1984 agreed to by both sides with signed minutes (269 sq km in West & 495 sq km in North-Central Bhutan)
The Chinese never brought this up in the boundary talks.
So there is no dispute in Eastern Bhutan.
There are only 2 disputed areas raised in 24 boundary talks since 1984 agreed to by both sides with signed minutes (269 sq km in West & 495 sq km in North-Central Bhutan)
The Chinese never brought this up in the boundary talks.
So there is no dispute in Eastern Bhutan.
The Chinese side is led by a Vice Foreign Minister & boundary talks are held alternately in both countries.
This Eastern sector is very much Bhutanese with a large Bhutanese population and traditional Dzongs ( Medieval Fortresses) & two Bhutanese districts since time immemorial.
This Eastern sector is very much Bhutanese with a large Bhutanese population and traditional Dzongs ( Medieval Fortresses) & two Bhutanese districts since time immemorial.
If such claims are made then it must be by some clueless junior official unaware of the boundary talks.
Such claims undermine the boundary talks and wild claims on either side by officials will only exacerbate issues as Bhutan too can lay claims far north.
Such claims undermine the boundary talks and wild claims on either side by officials will only exacerbate issues as Bhutan too can lay claims far north.
My understanding is that Bhutan’s Foreign Ministry has issued a Demarche to the Chinese Embassy in Delhi over this.
Ultimately Bhutan and China need to resolve its boundary disputes or such false claims will come up as a pressure tactic.
This is of course keeping India in the picture in terms of its strategic interests in the area.
This is of course keeping India in the picture in terms of its strategic interests in the area.
The above are my personal views as the Editor of a private Newspaper in Thimphu.
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