Beijing: China has issued a diplomatic protest to India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, during which he inaugurated the strategically significant Sela tunnel. The Chinese government, which asserts territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, denounced India's actions, stating they would exacerbate the ongoing boundary dispute.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin conveyed China's stance during a media briefing, emphasizing that China does not recognize Arunachal Pradesh as a legitimate entity established by India. Wenbin reiterated China's opposition to India's development initiatives in the region, particularly in the area referred to as Zangnan by China.

India's decision to proceed with infrastructure projects in the disputed territory was strongly criticized by China, with Wenbin asserting that such actions would only complicate the already contentious boundary issue. China expressed its dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Prime Minister Modi's visit to the eastern sector of the China-India border.

This isn't the first time China has voiced objections to Indian leaders' visits to Arunachal Pradesh. However, India has consistently maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and dismissed China's attempts to rename the region as inconsequential.

On March 9, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela tunnel, touted as the world's longest bi-lane tunnel, connecting Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet and costing Rs 825 crore, the tunnel holds strategic importance for enhancing all-weather connectivity to Tawang, a region bordering China to the north. Additionally, the tunnel is expected to facilitate easier movement of troops and equipment to forward areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The inauguration of the Sela tunnel is anticipated to reduce travel time between Tezpur and Tawang by more than an hour, offering significant logistical advantages for both civilian and military purposes.

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