Giving a historical background to the border dispute, Mao said the border between Sikkim and Tibet was fixed in 1890 when the British attacked Tibet. "In principle, the border was set up then and not in 1959," said Mao. The Chinese Consul was speaking at a programme on bilateral trade. He said: “We don't know where exactly is the watershed line. It may be here, it may be there. But my advice is that don't interpret Chinese troops moving in certain areas as an incursion.”

On the issue of Sino-Indian bilateral trade through Nathu La, the Consul General insisted on inclusion of more articles in the trade list. "There are 15 items that can be imported from China and 29 items that can be exported to China. Even the business community in Sikkim wants a more comprehensive list," Mao said.