Article by Chinese analyst an expression of individual opinion:India

New Delhi, Aug 11 (ANI): Following reports of a Chinese strategist contending that Beijing should break up India into 20-30 independent states, the Indian Government on Tuesday played down the incident saying that it was an expression of individual opinion.

This was said by an official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs in response to media reports on the article written by a Chinese analyst.

"The article in question appears to be an expression of individual opinion and does not accord with the officially stated position of China on India China relations conveyed to us on several occasions, including at the highest level, most recently by the State Councillor Dai Bingguo during his visit to India last week," the official spokesperson said.

The spokesperson further said that India and China have a cooperative relationship and both the countries have cleared out all the controversy regarding the article in question.

"We have seen media reports. India and China have strategic and cooperative partnership. There is multi-sectoral engagement between the two countries and the pace of exchanges has gained momentum in recent years. Both sides have agreed to continue this momentum, while seeking to resolve outstanding issues, including the boundary question through peaceful dialogue and consultations, and with mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns," Spokesperson said.

"The Chinese side has conveyed to us that in approaching India China relations, China abides by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. One of these principles stresses respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty," he added.

The spokesperson further urged that opinions about the neighbours shouldn't be expressed without vigilant judgement.

"We continue to maintain that opinions and assessment on the state of India-China relations should be expressed after careful judgement based on the long-term interests of building a stable relationship between the two countries," he added. (ANI)