China has issued a safety advisory to its citizens travelling to and living in India in view of the border standoff between Beijing and New Delhi.
The advisory, issued on 8 July, is for a month. No reason was given for issuing such a notice.
"The (Chinese) embassy in India has issued a safety advisory to its people asking them to pay attention to their safety and avoid unnecessary travel," a Chinese government official told IANS.
"They have been asked to contact local police or the Chinese Embassy in Delhi," the official added.
The advisory comes as Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a stand-off in Doklam region in Sikkim sector since mid June, which has led to marked unease in ties.
On 5 July, China had said that it will decide on issuing travel alert for Chinese citizens visiting India depending on the security situation, playing down reports in the official media asking Chinese investors to be on alert in view of the standoff at the border.
According to the advisory, Chinese living in India need to pay attention to the local security situation. It says they need to carry personal identification and inform in advance their family, colleagues, and friends if travelling out of home.
It also asks them to strictly comply with Indian laws and regulations and respect local and religious customs.
"The Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety and lawful rights of Chinese citizens," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang had said last week.
"In accordance with the security condition of the relevant country, we will decide whether or not to issue a travel alert," Geng had said, answering a question if China will issue any advisory.
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(With IANS and PTI inputs)
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