Beijing, Nov. 11: The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed regret over Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s statement that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

"We deeply regret the Indian side''s remarks that take no regard of the historical facts. China and India have never officially settled demarcation of borders, and China''s stance on the eastern section of China-India borders is consistent and clear-cut," spokesman Qin Gang said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“ The current Chinese Government, as well as the previous ones, has never recognized the illegal McMahon Line,” the spokesman said while replying to a question by the official Xinhua news agency.

Mukherjee, who was visiting a 400-year old monastery in Tawang in Arunachal, said on Saturday that China was "fully aware" that the state is an integral part of India. China had earlier claimed Tawang on the plea that it is the birth place of the sixth Dalai Lama before changing its stance to demand the whole of Arunachal Pradesh.

"China is often making claims on Arunachal Pradesh, but Arunachal Pradesh has a special place in our heart," Mukherjee said.

"People of Arunachal Pradesh regularly elect two representatives to the Lok Sabha and there is an elected state assembly carrying out the responsibility of administration like any of other 27 states. The question of parting company of Arunachal or any of its part does not arise," he said. (ANI)