CHINA UPSET WITH US ENVOY

BEIJING: China on Monday strongly criticised United States ambassador to India Richard Verma’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh last week, asking Washington to stop its attempt to “sabotage” the ongoing Sino-India talks on the festering boundary problem.

Verma visited Tawang for an annual festival and later tweeted a photograph with chief minister Pema Khandu. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as south Tibet and says it is “disputed” territory and part of the nearly 4,000 km border problem.

The ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) was quick to criticise Verma’s visit — as it has done in the past following visits to Arunachal Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, besides other Indian politicians and foreign diplomats.

“We are firmly opposed to visit to disputed area between India and China,” Lu Kang, MFA spokesperson said at the regular presser on Monday when asked to comment on the visit.

“China’s position on eastern section is clear and consistent. The two countries are now trying to resolve territorial disputes through negotiations and consultations,” he said. Lu said third parties should not interfere in the matter.

“Any third party sense of responsibility should respect efforts made by China and India for peace reconciliation and tranquility rather than the opposite,” Lu added. India on Monday said there was nothing unusual in US ambassador Richard Verma’s visit to Arunanchal Pradesh last week, soon after Beijing objected to the envoy’s trip.

“The US ambassador visited Arunachal Pradesh, a state which is an integral part of the country to which he is accredited. There is nothing unusual in it”, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.