China objects to Kovind's visit to Arunachal

Beijing: China on Monday objected to the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Arunachal Pradesh over the weekend.Speaking at a daily news briefing here, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that China had never recognised Arunachal Pradesh.
"Before the border issue is resolved, both sides should jointly work hard to protect the peace and tranquility of the border region. China resolutely opposes Indian leaders' activities in disputed regions," Lu said.

Lu said Sino-Indian ties are at an important stage in development, and China hopes India does not do anything to complicate the border issue and instead "create conditions" for border talks and the healthy, stable development of relations.India has dismissed Beijing's objections, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country. 

Earlier this month, China has objected to defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to forward army posts in remote Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. In April, China slammed India's decision to host Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in the same region, saying it could cause serious damage to relations.
(UNI)