NEW DELHI: Seeking to justify its claim over the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan, China Tuesday said it “advocates a package solution” to resolve its border dispute with Bhutan.
The renewed talk about a package solution has left many wondering if China is offering a new deal to Bhutan, after taking a maximalist position with its new claim in eastern Bhutan, and also using it to apply pressure on India.
“China’s position remains consistent and clear. The boundary between China and Bhutan has not been delimited and there are disputes in the middle, eastern and western sections,” said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, adding that this was why China calls for a package solution to resolve the dispute”.
China’s claim in eastern Bhutan though is new as it has never in the past claimed sovereignty over Sakteng area, despite having 24 rounds of talks on the disputed boundary since 1984, which is located close to the border with Arunachal Pradesh.
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