All roads currently lead to a final resolution of the India-China boundary dispute involving the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, but only if the Indian government becomes more cooperative with Chinese concerns that involve the Tawang district, said a leading Chinese diplomat.
Dai Bingguo, formerly in charge as China's Special Representative for boundary negotiations with India, said that the 30-year-long dispute is close to concluding favorably for both sides, indicating that the Chinese government is willing to reciprocate accordingly if Indian officials move to settle the Tawang issue.
Indicating that China is ready to settle questions concerning the western border areas, Dai said that the Chinese government is still waiting for the settlement of the eastern section. Said portion includes Tawang, which Chinese officials have long referred to as South Tibet, the Times of India reported.
Referred to as the birthplace of the 15th century Dalai Lama, Tawang has long been heralded as a crucial vestige of Tibetan Buddhism, hence China's claim despite its withdrawal following the Sino-Indian War in 1962. China is using its foothold over Tibet in asserting its claim over Tawang.
China expects to gain greater control over much of Tibetan Buddhism's strongholds once India officially cedes Tawang as part of the border talks over the contested Arunachal Pradesh, thereby improving its grip over politically-volatile Tibet.
Dai, whose diplomatic voice continues to be held in high esteem among Chinese officials, stands out for his reliable views in the India-China boundary dispute, with The Hindu noting that his remarks related to the issue are always as good as cleared by the Communist Party's leaders.
Underlining China's successful boundary arrangements with immediate neighbors Russia and Vietnam, Dai expressed optimism over India's cooperation on the issue, even praising Indian officials for their practice of an "independent foreign policy" fit for the multipolar status quo.