China holds line on border as Indian teen goes missing in disputed zone
- Foreign ministry says it has no information about the incident but the area is an inseparable part of Chinese territory
- Authorities area reportedly optimistic that 17-year-old will be released
Beijing has responded to reports that a missing Indian teenager was “abducted” by Chinese forces in a disputed border area by saying China remained committed to combating border trespassing.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Friday that he did not have information about the incident, but reiterated China’s claim to the 60,000 sq km (23,200 square mile) region, and condemned India’s occupation of the area.
“Zangnan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory,” Zhao said. “The People’s Liberation Army of China controls the border in accordance with the law and combats illegal entry and exit activities.”
According to Indian parliamentarian Tapir Gao, who represents the Arunachal East constituency, Miram was captured by the PLA in the Lungta Jor area, where China built a roughly 3km (1.9-mile) road in 2018.
The teen’s father, Opang Taron, said his son went to hunt and collect herbs on Tuesday, but never returned. A friend who went with him escaped from the PLA and reported back, according to The Indian Express.
The report said the Indian Army “immediately contacted the PLA through the established mechanism of hotline” to locate Miram and return him.