China to skip G20 meeting in Kashmir, India responds
Srinagar, May 20: China has opposed the holding of a G20 meeting in Kashmir, calling the region a "disputed area."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Friday said, "China firmly opposes holding G20 meetings in any form in 'disputed' areas and will not attend such meetings."
Meanwhile, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are also likely to skip the key meet as they have not registered for the event to be held in Srinagar.
However, India has responded to the objection and said that it is free to hold meetings on its own territory. India further added that peace and tranquillity on its border are essential for normal ties with China.
Since Jammu and Kashmir's special status was revoked in 2019 and it was divided into two union territories, this is the first significant international event to take place there.
The summit in Srinagar is anticipated to draw about 60 G20 delegates. Earlier, it was anticipated that the meeting would draw more than 100 delegates.
Officials said the G20 meeting in Srinagar will highlight Kashmir's tourism potential while also sending a message to the rest of the world that it is an important part of the country.
The attendance of members of the world's most powerful club is interpreted as support of India's position.
Terrorists may attempt a big attack to disrupt the G20 summit, according to security forces. Massive security procedures are underway to foil any such attempt. The region's security grid includes the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
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- With inputs from agencies
