Dalai Lama’s Arunachal Visit Will Damage Ties With India: China

The remark comes after MEA said as a guest of India, the Dalai Lama was free to travel to any part of the country.

The Dalai Lama. (Photo: PTI)

China on Friday warned that the Dalai Lama's scheduled visit to Arunachal Pradesh will damage ties with India.

India will only damage peace and stability of the border areas as well as the bilateral relationship between China and India.

Lu Kang, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Kang said China expected India to honour its political commitment vis-a-vis Tibet. India has said Tibet is an integral part of China.

The reaction came a day after the MEA said that as a guest in India, the Dalai Lama was free to travel to any part of the country and Arunachal Pradesh was no exception.

The Tibetan spiritual leader is likely to visit the northeastern state bordering China early in 2017. China lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh, which calls it South Tibet.

China has accused the Dalai Lama of secessionist activities in Tibet. He has been living in self-imposed exile in India since 1959.

The Dalai Lama clique is engaged in anti-China separatist activity and has shown very disgraceful behaviour on issues relating to the China-India boundary question. The Indian side is well aware of the seriousness of the Dalai Lama issue as well as the sensitivity of the China-India boundary question.

Lu Kang, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Earlier this week, China reacted angrily after the US ambassador to India, Richard Verma, visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

Beijing warned Washington not to meddle in the border dispute between India and China.