Beijing: Asserting that sovereignty and territorial integrity of China are “sacred and inviolable”, the country’s national legislature has adopted a new law on the protection and exploitation of the land border areas, which could have bearing on Beijing’s border dispute with India.
Members of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) approved the law at the closing meeting of a legislative session on Saturday.
Key provisions
- The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China are sacred and inviolable
- China shall handle land border-related affairs with neighbouring countries through negotiations
The law, which becomes operational from January 1 next year, stipulates that “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China are sacred and inviolable”.
The state shall take measures to safeguard territorial integrity and land boundaries and guard against and combat any act that undermines territorial sovereignty and land boundaries, a report said. The law also stipulates that the state shall take measures to strengthen border defence, support economic and social development in border areas, it said.