CHINA MAY BACK ‘INDEPENDENT SIKKIM’ DEMAND

Beijing, July 6: A staterun Chinese daily on Thursday warned that Beijing may support “proindependence appeals in Sikkim” if New Delhi does not stop pursuing “regional hegemony” through the border face-off.

The state-run Global Times said that China should reconsider its stance over Sikkim.

Beijing, July 6: Ratcheting up its rhetoric against India, a state-run Chinese daily on Thursday warned that Beijing may support “proindependence appeals in Sikkim” if New Delhi does not stop pursuing “regional hegemony” through the border faceoff.

“In the past, China was wary of India playing the Dalai Lama card, but this card is already overplayed and will exert no additional effect on the Tibet question. But if Beijing adjusts its stance on India-sensitive issues, it could be a powerful card to deal with New Delhi,” state-run Global Times said.

The paper, known for its aggressive rhetoric, said that China should reconsider its stance over Sikkim.

“Although China recognised India’s annexation of Sikkim in 2003, it can readjust its stance on the matter,” the daily said.

“There are those in Sikkim that cherish its history as a separate state, and they are sensitive to how the outside world views the Sikkim issue.

As long as there are voices in Chinese society supporting Sikkim’s independence, the voices will spread and fuel pro-independence appeals in Sikkim,” it added.