Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit will damage ties: China

China yesterday warned India that bilateral ties as well as peace and stability of the border areas would suffer “damage” if it allows Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims is part of southern Tibet

The Dalai Lama

Beijing: China yesterday warned India that bilateral ties as well as peace and stability of the border areas would suffer “damage” if it allows Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims is part of southern Tibet.

“We are seriously concerned about the relevant information,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a media briefing here, replying to a question about reports that India has granted permission to Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh at the invitation of the Chief Minister.

“China’s position on the eastern section of China India border is consistent and clear. The Dalai clique is engaged in anti-China separatist activity and has very disgraceful behaviour on issues relating to China-India boundary question,” Lu said.

“Under such circumstances India's invitation to the Dalai Lama for activity in the disputed areas between China and India will only damage peace, stability of the border areas as well as the bilateral relationship between China and India," Lu said.

The border dispute covers the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during 1962 war.

3,488KM
The length of the demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.

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