China on Wednesday asserted that it would lodge a diplomatic protest to India for 'obstinately' allowing the visit of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Arunachal Pradesh, thereby causing a 'serious damage' to bilateral ties.
China claims the partly ethnically Tibetan Himalayan state as its own territory and warned last month of "severe damage" to relations with India and increased regional instability if the Dalai Lama proceeds with his trip, reports the SCMP.
China also said that it was 'strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this.'
"Recently, India ignored China's solemn representations and strong opposition and insisted on inviting the 14th Dalai Lama to attend an international Buddhist conference organised by the Indian government. China is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.
"We urge the India side to clearly recognise the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai clique, abide by its promises on the Tibet issue, respect China's core interests and avoid further disturbances and harm to China-India relations," she added.
Earlier in the day, the Tibetan spiritual leader downplayed China's concern over his visit to North East India and said that he has no problems even if someone calls him a demon.
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"No problem, even if some consider me a demon," he said while talking to the media in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Hailing the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Tibetan government-in-exile has said that China should not have any problem with it as the spiritual leader's visit is purely religious.
"He has been invited by the people of Tawang to come and give teachings and blessings. He is visiting as a religious leader. He travels all over the world and give teachings on Buddhist philosophy, inter religious harmony and peace. There is no reason for China to protest the Lama visiting to the places where his followers are there," Tibetan government-in-exile spokesperson Sonam Dagpo told ANI.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) yesterday issued a statement, saying that no additional colour should be ascribed to the Dalai Lama's religious and spiritual activities.
On global stage, China has repeatedly warned India that the Dalai Lama's visit would hit the bilateral ties significantly.
Protesting Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China earlier on Friday warned India to adhere to political pledges or else face the consequences.
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