China warns India over longest bridge on border

Warning came days after PM Modi launched India’s longest bridge linking disputed Arunachal Pradesh state with Assam

China has warned India against building infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the country’s longest bridge linking Assam with the state claimed by Beijing.

“We hope India adopts a cautious and restrained attitude on the issue before the final settlement of the border issue with China to jointly control disputes, safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry told IANS.

“China's position on the eastern section of the Sino-Indian border areas is consistent and clear,” a statement said. China and India have a dragging border dispute as Beijing claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own, and refers to it as ‘southern Tibet’.



Modi last week opened India’s longest bridge that spans the vast Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state of Assam. The 9.15 km Dhola-Sadiya bridge, strong enough to carry a 60-tonne battle tank, will reduce travel times from Assam to the disputed state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Last month, China protested strongly to the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Beijing considers the 81-year old spiritual leader a separatist. India said the visit was to promote religious harmony and had no political colouring.

This article originally appeared on The Economic Times.