The Hindu : 'Nothing new in China's claims'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jul 27, 2003

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National

'Nothing new in China's claims'

Mumbai July 26. The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, today said there was nothing new in China's remarks that it did not recognise Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.

At a felicitation ceremony in his honour, he told reporters that China had been making such remarks for the past 50 years.

Relations with China were, however, in the right direction.

Mr. Fernandes referred to old reports that had quoted him as having said that "China is India's enemy number one", and said he had used "potential threat" while speaking about China.

About the long-pending demand of the air force for the acquisition of Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs), he said the endorsement of the Cabinet Committee on Security was still awaited. The need for AJTs had been felt for quite some time and a decision on this would be taken soon.

He declined to give any details of the Cabinet note, saying it was a secret document.

Asked about the frequent MiG 21 crashes, Mr. Fernandes said the IAF had initiated a series of measures, including upgradation of the training system.

The areas around air bases were being constantly scrutinised to check bird-hits. "We have taken several measures on this."

When pointed out that the MiG was a vintage aircraft, he said the plane was being used by several countries and that it was the frontline fighter aircraft of the IAF.

UNI

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