China downplays controversy over Mt Everest

China today sought to downplay the controversy over its plan to build a road to the Mt Everest base camp, saying the move was aimed at making travel convenient.

"Transport is an important part of the development of China. The infrastructure has been planned to make it more convenient for the people," Chinese Culture Minister Sun Jiazheng told reporters here today.

He was referring to the controversy triggered by Beijing's plan to build a metalled road to the base camp of the world's highest mountain.

Environmentalists have protested, warning it could destroy the ecosystem. The minister was speaking after signing a cultural exchange agreement with India's Culture Minister Ambika Soni.