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China has raised objections over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating its claim over the region and warning that India's actions will complicate the boundary question further.

 

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh last week, enhancing all-weather connectivity to strategically important areas like Tawang.

 

The tunnel, constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet, is hailed as a significant infrastructure development, costing Rs 825 crore and facilitating better troop movement along the border.

 

The Sela Tunnel is designed to improve access to various forward locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, a move that hasn't gone down well with Beijing. China has long claimed Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet and contests India's sovereignty over the region.

 

Responding to Modi's visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin reiterated China's stance, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh, referred to as Zangnan by Beijing, is Chinese territory.

 

He denounced India's development activities in the region, stating that they only serve to complicate the unresolved boundary issue between the two countries.

 

India, however, maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and has rejected China's territorial claims. The longstanding boundary dispute remains unresolved, with both nations asserting their claims over various areas along the border.

 

Despite China's objections, India continues to invest in infrastructure projects in Arunachal Pradesh and other border regions to bolster its defense capabilities and improve connectivity to remote areas. Prime Minister Modi's visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening its presence in the region.

 

China's diplomatic protest comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over territorial disputes and other contentious issues. The latest development is likely to further strain bilateral relations, adding to the complexities of the China-India boundary question.