China 'opposed' to Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement : "China holds a consistent and clear stance on the China-India boundary question. It is a fact known to all that there are substantial disputes over the eastern part of the China-India boundary. The Chinese government has never recognized the "Arunachal Pradesh". The Chinese side is opposed to Indian leaders' activities in the disputed area, and has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side."

"What the Indian side has done runs counter to the efforts by the two sides to properly resolve and manage disputes and the overall interests of bilateral relations. We urge the Indian side to take China's solemn concerns seriously, meet the Chinese side halfway and commit itself to fairly and properly resolving the bilateral boundary question through negotiation. Pending the settlement of the boundary question, the Indian side should avoid making any move that complicates the boundary question and maintain the good momentum of bilateral ties," Chunying said.

Modi on Friday visited the state and said Arunachal Pradesh is getting both "gati" (momentum) and urja (energy).

Stating that poverty eradication cannot happen on the basis of mere slogans, the Prime Minister said that the projects being launched on Friday, would boost connectivity and provide electricity - which would in turn become strong weapons in the fight against poverty.

He was addressing a large gathering in Itanagar, after dedicating to the nation the Harmuti-Naharlagun Rail Line.

Modi flagged off an AC Express between Naharlagun and New Delhi; and the Inter-City Express between Naharlagun and Guwahati.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Festival of Arunachal 2015, and released a souvenir to mark the 29th Statehood Day of Arunachal Pradesh. He inaugurated a Water Supply Scheme for Itanagar and laid the Foundation Stone of a 132 KV Transmission Line.