India should do more to maintain peace in border areas: China

Beijing, Oct 30: China's military on Thursday expressed concern over India's plan to construct 54 new border posts in Arunachal Pradesh, saying India should not complicate the situation and do more to maintain peace as it is a "disputed area".

"We have noticed relevant report. Dispute still exists in the eastern part of China-India border," Defence Ministry Spokesman Yang Yujin told a media briefing here when asked a question on the plans announced by the Home Ministry to build 54 new border posts along the Arunachal Pradesh border.

"We urge the Indian side to do more to maintain peace and stability in the area and not do things that may complicate the situation," he said.

Asked why China is wary of India's development of infrastructure along the border when it has carried out extensive development on its side, Yang said, "I think that the roads you are talking about are in the eastern part of the China-India border which is still a disputed area."

"China's position on the dispute in this area is clear and consistent," he said. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as southern Tibet.

"It is an important consensus reached by the two sides to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control and both sides should do more towards converging direction rather than contrary," he said.

Indian government last week announced setting up of 54 new border outposts and a Rs 175 crore package for beefing up the infrastructure along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

PTI