Beijing: In an apparent breach of protocol, China raised the Tibet issue with President Pratibha Patil, who is on a state visit to the country, and sought reassurance that India sees Tibet as an integral part of China.
At a meeting with the Chinese Leader Jia Qingling, President Pratibha Patil had to explain India's position on Tibet after he raised the issue. The President reiterated that Tibet is an internal part of China and that India will not allow its soil to be used for anti-China activities.
"The issue of Tibet came up and the Chinese sought reiteration of India's position that Tibet is a part of China and that anti-China activities will not be allowed on India's soil," said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.
India says it not unusual for the Chinese leadership to raise Tibet issue, but this has surely sent a sour note.