| The Sino-Indian boundary dispute is not only the legacy of historical British colonialism and expansionism, but also the product of development from frontier, which is constituted by wide insulating belts or buffer zones, to linear boundary in the course of emergence of nation states in this area. In this process, it is necessary for neighboring countries to delimit the boundary through peaceful negotiation. Unfortunately, India shut down the door for negotiation with China and encountered the arms conflict at the border at the expense of bilateral relations, imposing unnecessary cost on both the countries.At the most parts of the western section of the Sino-Indian border, there are lots of no-man areas of harsh physical conditions and with difficult access to. The title of this territory had been unfixed because of ever-changing nature of historical possession and fewer human activities. Since the 20th century, Chinese entered this area on large scale and has established permanent and effective administrative control, consolidating her historical title over this territory. India claims the title over the eastern sector of the Sino-Indian border on the basis of the MacMahon Line defined by Simla Convention. However, the Simla Convention is invalid and the MacMahon Line is illegal. Before British Indian state and independent Indian government invaded and illegally occupied this area, China had been exercised jurisdiction for a long time. The Indian side attempted to advocate her claim by accusing China of violating the principles of acquiescence and estoppel and committing to aggression. These accusations could not hold water because it has proved that China's behavior has abided by international law and its action is rather a reasonable defense than the act of aggression.The question of Sino-Indian boundary is not a pure legal issue, but a complex of political, economic, geographic and historical factors. Recently, the gap of divergent views of the two countries on the question has been narrowing. The rapid globalization gives new impetus to the resolution of the problem. The procession of negotiation is getting momentum and facing a promising prospect. |
