China on Monday "commended" India for facilitating the return of its soldier, who was stuck in India for over 50 years after crossing the border following the 1962 war.
"Thanks to the concerted efforts of China and India, Wang Qi has come back to China and got reunited with his family," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here.
"We commend the assistance by relevant departments of India" in this regard, he said.
Geng, however, said he was not aware of Wang's and his Indian family members' resettlement plans. He said he has to verify with local authorities.
Geng made the remarks in reply to a question on what would happen to his Indian family — his wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and grand daughter — if Wang decides to settle in China.
Wang was given an emotional welcome by his Chinese family members and officials when he reached Xian, the provincial capital of his
home province Shaanxi, last week.
He was accompanied by his son Vishnu Wang, 35, daughter-in-law Neha and grand daughter, Khanak Wang.
His Indian wife Shushila and daughter stayed back in India due to ill health, officials said. Indian officials, who accompanied Wang, said he and his family have stayed put at a hotel in Xian and have not visited his village which is about 100 kms from there.