No country can stay aloof from fight against human trafficking, says China

We resolute in combating human trafficking, says Lu Kang Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson

The US State Department will unveil later today the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, rating China among countries of the worst record when it comes to human trafficking. What is your response to this?

This is not a new question, and the Chinese government's position on that is clear to all, that is, we are resolute in combating human trafficking. The progress that we have made is also obvious. We are firmly opposed to the irresponsible remarks made by the US based on its domestic law about others' efforts against human trafficking.

The Chinese side always believes that no country can stay aloof from the fight against human trafficking as it is a crime plaguing the whole world. The Chinese side will step up cooperation with other countries to crack down on human trafficking based on mutual respect.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s statement yesterday, some Indian border guards crossed into the Chinese territory at the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary. Has the Indian side taken any steps to remove China’s concern? What is the latest on this issue?

Yesterday, spokespersons of both the Defence Ministry and the Foreign Ministry of China have made statement on Indian border troops’ trespass and provoking of troubles at the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary.

It is the Indian border troops who crossed into the Chinese territory and obstructed the Chinese border troops’ normal activities in Doklam. We have taken proportionate measures in response. As for the question you asked, the Chinese side has lodged representations with the Indian side both in Beijing and Delhi, expressing our solemn position. I must say that China is sincere about developing friendly relations with India but is also resolute in safeguarding its own sovereignty and interests. We hope that the Indian side will work with us, take swift and correct measures to bring those who crossed into China back to the Indian side of the boundary.

The Foreign Ministry statement said that the situation on the boundary was the reason why the arrangements for Indian pilgrims were being delayed. I just want to ask what about the remaining 300 pilgrims who are supposed to be undertaking this very important pilgrimage in the next few weeks, will China make arrangements for them or will they be denied?

I have stated China’s solemn position and requirement concerning the Indian border troops’ illegal entry into China. I will not repeat it.

As for the trip by Indian officially-organised pilgrims to Xi Zang via the Nathu-la mountain pass in the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary, I believe that the Indian public are fully aware of the enormous efforts made and the convenience provided by the Chinese government against all odds in the interests of China-India friendly relations. Recently, the Indian border troops crossed into the Chinese territory at the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary, and in response to that, we have taken necessary and emergency measures. In the meantime, we have to put off arranging for Indian officially-organised pilgrims’ entry into Xi Zang via the Nathu-la pass out of security concerns. We have informed the Indian government through the diplomatic channel.

As for what is coming next, it is a matter of course that the Indian side should take necessary measures to alleviate the tension caused by their border troops’ illegal entry, and create conditions for their pilgrims’ travel to Xi Zang via the Nathu-la pass.

The next round of Syria talks will be held in Astana on July 4 to 5. I wonder if the Chinese special envoy on Syria or any official from the Foreign Ministry will attend the talks?

It is China’s long-standing position that the Syria issue can only be resolved through political and diplomatic means. We believe that both the Astana talks which focus on realising ceasefire and cessation of violence and the Geneva talks which aim at promoting political settlement are positive efforts for peaceful settlement.

The situation in Syria is at a crucial juncture where all relevant parties should bear in mind the overall peace and stability of the region, work for the shared goal, and jointly play a constructive role for the political settlement of the Syria issue.

As for the particular question you asked, the Chinese side always supports the process of political settlement. We hope positive outcomes can be achieved in the Astana talks on July 4. Information about China’s attendance will be released in due course.

After the press conference, a journalist asked: Since China believes that the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary has been defined, can you tell us how it was defined, based on which treaty, when it was confirmed by the Indian government and how?

There is solid legal evidence to support the delimitation of the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary. It is stated in article one of the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet (1890) that “the boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other rivers of Tibet. The line commences at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nepal territory.” It is without any doubt that the spot where the Indian border troops trespassed is on the Chinese side of the boundary. Both China and the successive Indian governments recognise that the Sikkim section has been delimited. It has been confirmed by the Indian leader, the relevant Indian government document and the Indian delegation at the special representatives’ meeting with China on the boundary question that India and China share common view on the 1890 convention’s stipulation on the boundary alignment at the Sikkim section. To observe the relevant convention and document is the inescapable international obligation of the Indian side.
Lu Kang is a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson