China’s foreign ministry on Saturday condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying it "resolutely opposes" activities of Indian leaders in the region.
PM Modi's visit was part of a series of public meetings in the region.
Despite recent efforts to improve bilateral ties in both countries, disputes over the mountainous Indo-China border - which triggered a war in 1962 - and the region that China claims as southern Tibet have remained a sensitive issue.
"China urges the Indian side to proceed from the overall situation of bilateral relations, respect China’s interests and concerns, cherish the momentum of improving relations between the two countries, and refrain from any actions that intensify disputes and complicate the border issue," the country's foreign ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in response, said Arunachal Pradesh was an integral and inalienable part of India, and Indian leaders could visit it as and when required.
"The state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to Chinese side on several occasions," a MEA spokesperson said.
Both India and China have sought to rebuild trust after an armed standoff over a stretch of the Himalayan border in 2017. In furtherance of this, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met a number of times last year to give impetus to the trade discussions.
(With inputs from agencies)
