New Delhi
China warned on Wednesday that it would take “necessary measures”, without specifying, to protect its territorial sovereignty and interests after India “obstinately” allowed the Dalai Lama to visit the parts of Arunachal Pradesh causing “serious damage” to the bilateral ties.
According to the Media report Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale was called in Wednesday afternoon to the Foreign Ministry. Gokhale had talks at the Foreign Ministry over the Dalai Lama’s Tawang visit.
Warning the visit would “escalate” border disputes between the two countries, China’s Foreign Ministry suggested it wanted India to stop the nine-day visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader. “We demand India stop using the Dalai Lama to do anything that undermines China’s interests and we also demand the Indian side not hype up sensitive issues between India and China,” spokesperson Hua Chunying said.
Hua said the Dalai Lama issue, however, “goes beyond internal affairs”. “The role played by the Dalai Lama is clear to all. The issues concerning Tibet have a bearing on China’s core interests. India in disregard of China’s concerns obstinately arranged the visit. This will for sure trigger China’s dissatisfaction. And this will not bring any benefit to India”.
The Dalai Lama reached Bomdila in West Kameng district yesterday, starting his nine-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
