Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that China has increased its activities in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and deployed a large number of troops in that area; (b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government is aware of the Chinese activities along the Indo-Sino border areas wherein China is engaged in setting up road, railway and air-connectivity;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)
(a) & (b) Government is aware that China is executing infrastructure projects in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Government has raised this issue with the Chinese side and has clearly conveyed India’s consistent position that Pakistan has been in illegal occupation of parts of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. China regards Kashmir as a bilateral matter to be settled between India and Pakistan. Government has conveyed its concerns to China about their activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, and asked them to cease such activities.

(c) to (e) Government is aware that China is developing the infrastructure in the border regions opposite India in Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions. This includes the Qinghai-Tibet Railway line, with proposed extension upto Xigaze and Nyingchi, and development of road and airport facilities. Government is giving careful and special attention to the development of infrastructure in the border areas opposite China, in order to meet our strategic and security requirements and also to facilitate the economic development of these areas. Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.
http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220217927.

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

South Asia