The law further stated that People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Chinese People’s Armed Police Force will maintain security along the border. This responsibility includes cooperating with local authorities in combating illegal border crossings.The law prohibits any party from indulging in any activity in the border area which would “endanger national security or affect China’s friendly relations with neighbouring countries”. It includes construction of any permanent buildings by any person without authorisation from the concerned authority.Further it stated that citizens and local organisations are mandated to protect and defend the border infrastructure, maintain security and stability of borders and co-operate with government agencies in maintaining border security.The law lays the path for the development of the border region. It states that People’s Republic of China will take up education and propaganda to “solidify the sense of community of China, to promote the spirit of China, to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the country, strengthen citizens’ sense of the country and homeland security, and build a common spiritual home for the Chinese nation” amongst citizens in the border region.The state can take measures “to strengthen border defence, support economic and social development as well as opening-up in border areas, improve public services and infrastructure in such areas, encourage and support people’s life and work there, and promote coordination between border defence and social, economic development in border areas”.In effect, this suggests a push to settle civilians in the border areas.The law comes amid a border dispute with India.India claims that China has illegally occupied about 38,000 sq km of India’s territory in Aksai Chin, which borders eastern Ladakh. Pakistan ceded to China about 5,180 sq km in 1963 from the Indian territory illegally occupied by it.India and China have been engaged in border disputes for the last 20 months and diplomatic and military talks are on to resolve the issues.
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