China and Indian-ruled Kashmir

Kashmir's main separatist alliance has stirred controversy before resumed talks with New Delhi by saying China has a stake in peace in the region because a part of the disputed state is under Beijing's control.

The mention of China's role in resolving the dispute is the first by separatist leaders since a revolt against New Delhi broke out in 1989 that has killed tens of thousands of people.

Here are questions and answers about China and Kashmir.

What has china got to do with Kashmir?

India rules 45% of Kashmir, Pakistan has about 35% and China controls the rest, a largely uninhabited slice of high-altitude desert.

Kashmiri separatists say Beijing should have a say in talks as it has a direct link with Kashmir, although historically China has had almost no participation in a dispute that is largely about India and Pakistan. There is no official Chinese statement on this yet.

The role of China in Kashmir was first highlighted this year when Beijing started to issue visas to Indian Kashmiris on separate sheets — rather than stamps in an Indian passport. That implied to Indians that China questioned India's rule over Kashmir.

Why did the controversy surface?

That Chinese move was widely seen as a tit-for-tat measure against India after New Delhi allowed Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to visit a disputed Indian region near the Chinese border in November. China brands Dalai Lama a separatist.

Kashmiri separatist leaders say China's decision reflects Beijing's recognition of Kashmir as disputed territory.

New Delhi, which is angered at any hint that Kashmir is not part of India, protested against the visa policy.

Indian authorities barred residents of Indian Kashmir from travelling to China on separate visas issued by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi.

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