China `gravely concerned` about Dalai Lama`s visit to Arunachal Pradesh

Beijing [China], Mar. 04 (ANI): China on Friday reiterated its stand on Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's visit to India and said it was 'gravely concerned over this information.' Though China had earlier opposed the Tibetan leader's visit, citing it will seriously 'damage' bilateral ties, India facilitated the visit and deputed a government official to assist the Dalai Lama, who is expected to visit Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang monastery after eight years between April 4 and 13. "China is gravely concerned over this information. Our position on the eastern section of the China-India border dispute is consistent and clear. The Dalai group has long been engaged in anti-China separatist activities and has put on dishonorable acts in the past on the boundary question. The Indian side knows very well the seriousness of the Dalai issue and the sensitiveness of the boundary question. Under such circumstances, India's invitation to the Dalai Lama to the disputed areas between China and India will bring severe damage to peace and stability of the border areas and China-India relations," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told a press briefing. Shuang further urged the Indian side to honour its commitments on the Tibet-related issues. He said, "We urged India to follow the important agreement between the two sides on the boundary question, refrain from actions that would further complicate the question, not provide a stage for the anti-China separatist activities of the Dalai group, and ensure the sound and steady growth of China-India relationship." Answering a poser on how the concern was expressed, Shuang said a representation was made through formal diplomatic channels. This development comes a week after a strategic dialogue was held between the countries to shore up bilateral ties. China had earlier claimed the border dispute between the two countries can be resolved if New Delhi accepts Beijing's claim over the Tawang region. (ANI)