China denies visa to Arunachal man

After reports from Itanagar that Arunachal Pradesh State Badminton Association secretary Bamang Tago — who was nominated manager of the Indian badminton team for the China Open Championship in Fuzhou — was denied a visa by China, New Delhi has taken up the matter with Beijing.

“This matter has been brought to our notice now. Government’s position on differential treatment of Indian passport holders is clear and well known. We have conveyed it to the Chinese side. We expect them to address this issue in the spirit of reciprocity and smooth development of bilateral relations,” ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in New Delhi.

Govt has taken up with Beijing the issue involving Bamang Tago, manager of the Indian badminton team

China regards Arunachal as a part of its territory and refers to the Indian state as “south Tibet”.

India has always maintained that Arunachal is its integral part. China regards the people of Arunachal as its citizens, which is essentially the logic behind the denial of visa to those hailing from the state.

Beijing had recently objected to the visit of the US ambassador to Arunachal Pradesh, and has also opposed a proposed visit by the Dalai Lama to the state — set to take place in 2017. India had ignored the Chinese objections.