Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday disapproved of the recent Chinese transgression in Arunachal Pradesh saying this was not in keeping with the spirit of the understanding on the border issue.

Observing there were differences between the two countries on the perception on the Line of Actual Control, he told the Rajya Sabha, "We have problems and these problems have come to the fore (with the recent incident)."

Beijing's Arunachal card
Neither friends nor enemies

"Whatever happened on LAC was not as per decorum. We have brought this to the notice of Chinese authorities," he said replying to clarifications sought by members on his statement on his recent trip to China.

Vajpayee said that despite the differences, India and China 'should be together and go forward'.

Earlier intervening in the debate, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said that the Chinese transgression in Arunachal Pradesh during the visit of prime minister was not planned. "It was not pre-meditated."

India, he said, had already taken up the matter with Beijing. China has responded and this was being looked into, Sinha said.

On the speculation over discussions among India, Russia and China, Vajpayee said, "This is not an attempt to conspire against anybody... but the three should come together in the interest of humanity."

"Every step should be taken in a cool and collective manner to face international challenges and move in a step-by-step manner," he said.

Countering the Congress claim that it was late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was instrumental in initiating the process of peace and tranquility agreement with China, Vajpayee said it was he, as foreign minister, who had laid the foundation during his visit to that country in 1979.

Observing that Tibet region is very big, he said the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) was a part of it. Though he was 'pained' by the issue, his government had made efforts to find the best way out, he added.

On a comment by independent member Ram Jethmalani that Vajpayee had changed his stand on the Tibet issue, the prime minister said he had a different perception when he was in the opposition but wondered, "How long can we carry the burden of historical baggage?"

Elaborating on the China visit, which was described by Sinha as a 'milestone and landmark', Vajpayee said several steps have been taken by the two countries to move forward, including trade relations, but it would be too much to expect quick results.

On Dalai Lama, Sinha said India always regarded him as a spiritual leader and religious guru and no government in the country has so far allowed Indian territory to be used by Tibetans here for political purposes.

India always felt that the Tibet issue should be resolved between the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities and "I am sure they are in touch."

There was no room for third party, he said adding Sikkim and Tibet issues were not linked.