BEIJING, Feb 9: China on Saturday “firmly opposed” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that it has never recognized the sensitive border state and the Indian leadership should refrain from any action that may “complicate the boundary question.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying in response to a question on Modi’s visit said, “China’s position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut. The Chinese government has never recognized the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader’s visit to the east section of the China-India boundary.”
“China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations, and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question,” she said in her reaction posted on the Chinese foreign ministry’s website.
In New Delhi, the external affairs ministry reacted sharply to China’s remarks, saying the state of Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part” of India.
“Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions,” the MEA spokesperson said in a statement.
China routinely objects to Indian leaders visiting Arunachal Pradesh to highlight its stand. China claims the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. India and China have so far held 21 rounds of talks to resolve the border dispute.
The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control. (PTI)
