China opposes G20 tourism meeting in IIOJ&K, will not attend

New Dehli: China has stated its opposition to a G20 tourism meeting scheduled to take place next week in the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir in India and has decided not to attend.

India, as the current chair of G20, has been organizing a series of meetings across the country in preparation for the summit in New Delhi in September.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made it clear that China firmly opposes holding any G20 meetings in disputed territories and will not participate in such gatherings. The region of Ladakh, which is a significant part of the disputed territory, remains under Chinese control.

Tensions between New Delhi and Beijing have been strained since a military clash in Ladakh in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 24 soldiers. As a result, hosting a meeting of the tourism working group for G20 members in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has raised concerns.

Kashmir is claimed in its entirety by both India and China's ally, Pakistan, with each country having control over different parts. Pakistan has also expressed opposition to India's decision to hold a G20 meeting in Kashmir.

India has responded to these objections by asserting its right to hold meetings on its own territory. It emphasized the importance of peace and tranquility on its borders for maintaining normal relations with China.

The conflicting positions of India and China on the G20 meeting in Kashmir highlight the ongoing disputes and tensions in the region, underscoring the challenges faced in finding a resolution acceptable to all parties involved.