New Delhi: India on July 24 said Chinese forces transgressed on the line of actual control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh when Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was paying his historic visit to China in June and the issue had been taken up with Beijing through diplomatic channels.

"Government is aware of the transgression of the LAC by a Chinese patrol on June 26, 2003 in the Asaphila area of the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh," External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters when asked about a news report in this regard.

He said, "This is an area where there are differences in the perception of the LAC between the two sides."

The spokesman said the 1996 agreement between India and China on confidence building measures in the military field along the LAC in the border areas contained a specific provision for the manner in which situations involving face-to-face contact between personnel and patrols of the two sides were to be handled.

"In the case in question, these provisions do not appear to have been adhered to by the Chinese side. This matter has already been taken up through diplomatic channels and a response from the Chinese side is awaited," he said.

PTI