State-run Xinhua news agency of China reported that a new law related to management of borders has been passed. It said ;
The law, would become operational from January 1 next year, and it stipulates that "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China are sacred and inviolable".
The state shall take measures to safeguard territorial integrity and land boundaries and guard against and combat any act that undermines territorial sovereignty and land boundaries.
The law also stipulates that the state shall take measures to strengthen border defence, support economic and social development as well as opening-up in border areas, improve public services and infrastructure in such areas, encourage and support people's life and work there, and promote coordination between border defence and social, economic development in border areas, it said.
China has already resolved the boundary disputes with 12 other neighbours, whereas it has kept India and its ally Bhutan on tenter hooks.
However, On October 14, China and Bhutan signed an MOU firming up a roadmap for expediting the boundary negotiations, to speed up the border talks and establishment of diplomatic ties.
This law has come amidst the tension on border and therefore is an indication that ;
One. This law will have far reaching implications on the ongoing Sino-India border dispute. China is going to harden its stance against India and offer a carrot to Bhutan so that the small land locked Bhutan either severs security ties with India or makes it redundant in order to maintain its territorial integrity and please its more aggressive neighbor ; China.
Two. The Sino-Indian border is not likely to remain peaceful in near term and incursions into Indian Territory will be used by Chinese to arm twist Indian Govt whenever needed.
Three. It is also an indicator of the Chinese Govt’s resolve towards defending its borders and developing border regions. It also makes sure that No leader in future would be able to make compromises without its political implications.