Beijing expresses firm opposition to Indian PM’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh

BEIJING, Feb 15 (APP):A Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Thursday expressed firm opposition to the visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a disputed area and urged the Indian side not to take action that could complicate the boundary issue.
“China’s position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in response to reports that Modi visited the so-called Arunachal Pradesh Thursday.
He said the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader’s visit to the disputed area.
“We will lodge stern representations with the Indian side,” he added.
Geng Shuang said the Chinese side urges the Indian side to honor its commitment and abide by the relevant consensus, and refrain from taking any action that may complicate the boundary question.
He urged India to cherish the hard-won momentum of improvements in bilateral relations and create enabling conditions for the boundary talks and the development of bilateral relations.
The so-called Arunachal Pradesh was established largely on three areas in China’s Tibet — Monyul, Loyul and Lower Tsayul — which are currently under illegal occupation by India.
In February 1987, Indian authorities declared the founding of so-called Arunachal Pradesh.