China has "firmly opposed" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, and said that it has never recognised the sensitive border state. Beijing also said the Indian leadership should refrain from any action that may "complicate the boundary question". Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "China's position on the Sino-Indian border issue is consistent and clear. The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and resolutely opposes the activities of Indian leaders to the eastern section of the Sino-Indian border."
The spokesperson said such actions would also hurt the progress made by both sides, especially after the pathbreaking meet between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan last year.
She added: "China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question." Modi's visit was part of a series of public meetings in the region aimed at garnering support for his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Indian elections due by May.
