China on Monday slammed the United States for “interference” in Indo-China boundary dispute after the US ambassador in New Delhi Richard Verma visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh for a festival on October 21.

CHINA ALLEGE VISIT MAKES DISPUTE COMPLICATED

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the visit by Verma would “make the dispute more complicated” as well as “sabotage peaceful development” in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said “the place visited by a senior diplomatic official is a disputed region between China and India”.

“We are firmly opposed to visit to disputed area between India and China,” he said, adding that “China’s position on eastern section is clear and consistent.”

THE DISPUTE

In the eastern sector of the India-China boundary, China claims 90,000 sq km in Arunachal Pradesh, and has particularly voiced claims on the Tawang region because of its historical links with Tibet. In the western sector in Ladakh, India sees China as illegally occupying 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin. Both sides have had long-running talks to settle the dispute, which have been slow-moving.

“The two countries are now trying to resolve territorial disputes through negotiations and consultations,” said Lu.

“Any third party with a sense of responsibility should respect efforts made by China and India for peace reconciliation and tranquillity, rather than the opposite.”

CHINA OPPOSED TO ANY INTERFERENCE

Lu said the “behaviour of the US runs contrast to efforts by China and India”.

“It will only make the dispute more complicated, disturb peace and tranquility of border areas and sabotage peaceful development of region. We urge the US to stop interference in boundary issue between China and India and make more commitment to regional peace and stability.”

“The boundary question between China and India is very complex and sensitive,” he said. “Interference by a third party will only stir up or heighten tension. At the end of the day only the peoples of the two countries will fall victim. We believe India and China have the wisdom to properly handle disputes.”

(Source: The Northeast Today)