China on Monday objected to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s first visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying her tour of the “disputed area” is not conducive to the peace and tranquillity of the region.
Ms. Sitharaman on Sunday visited forward Army posts in Arunachal Pradesh's remote Anjaw district that borders China to take stock of defence preparedness.
“As to Indian Defence Minister's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, you must be very clear about China’s position,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a media briefing.
“There is a dispute on the eastern section of the China-India boundary. So this visit by the Indian side to the disputed area is not conducive to the peace and tranquillity of the relevant region,” Ms Hua said.
The Indian side should work with the Chinese side for proper resolution of the issue through dialogue and create an enabling environment and conditions, she said.
“Hope India will work with China for the shared goal, seek a solution acceptable to both sides and accommodate our concerns in a balanced way,” she said.
China claims Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of south Tibet and routinely objects to top Indian officials’ visit to the area.
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China stretches to 3,488 km. As many as 19 rounds of talks have been held by Special Representatives to resolve the dispute.
Last month, Ms. Sitharaman visited Nathu La area on the India-China border in Sikkim and greeted the People’s Liberation Army soldiers across the border.
