On poll eve in Arunachal, China says stand clear on 'dispute'

BEIJING: On the eve of elections in Arunachal Pradesh, China today guardedly fended off questions on the polls there, saying its position is "clear" on the "territorial dispute".

"Our relationship needs to feature peace and common development. We hope our bilateral relationship can move forward and bring more benefits to people of our two countries and achieve a common development," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei told a media briefing here.

Responding to questions on India's general election, specially the polls in Arunachal Pradesh, Hong said China has put a "great emphasis" on the development of Sino-India ties.

"As for territorial dispute you mentioned our position is clear," he said.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet. Beijing views it as part of the dispute over the 4000 km-long Line of Actual Control between the two countries.

Commenting about the election process in general, Hong said, "we hope that Indian election can carry on smoothly".

Polling will take place tomorrow in six constituencies spread across four north-eastern states in round two of the nine-phase Lok Sabha elections.

Voting will be held in one seat each in Nagaland and Manipur and two seats each in Arunchal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

In Arunachal Pradesh, simultaneous elections will be held for 49 of the 60 Assembly seats. The campaigning in these constituencies has already ended.