On Saturday, 9 February, China’s foreign ministry condemned PM Modi’s visit to the border state of Arunachal Pradesh and urged India to avoid any action that would further complicate the Indo-China border dispute, reported Reuters.
Modi’s one-day visit was to inaugurate development projects and was part of a series of public meetings to boost support for BJP, ahead of the impending elections.
A Disputed Region
The area of Arunachal Pradesh remains a sensitive subject for both countries as they have both claimed it, with China seeing it as southern Tibet. The two sides have even fought a brief war over it in 1962.
However, in April 2018, there seemed to be an effort to improve bilateral ties when Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met.
Therefore, Beijing claimed that the action of visiting the disputed state by the Indian PM would impede the progress made by both countries, and escalate the border tensions reported IANS.
China said it “resolutely opposes” activities of Indian leaders in the region.
“China urges the Indian side to proceed from the overall situation of bilateral relations, respect China’s interests and concerns, cherish the momentum of improving relations between the two countries, and refrain from any actions that intensify disputes and complicate the border issue.”Chinese MFA.
MEA’s Response
The Ministry of External Affairs responded to media questions on the Chinese MFA’s statement, saying, “The State of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral & inalienable part of India. Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India,” reported ANI.
“This consistent position has been conveyed to Chinese side on several occasions.”MEA.
(With inputs from Reuters, IANS, ANI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)