China has reportedly skipped the two-day G20 meeting held in Itanagar over the weekend, said reports. Over 200 representatives of various countries had taken part in the event.
China has continiously staked claim over Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a part of South Tibet. On its part, India does not recognise the Chinese claim. The border dispute erupted last December when the troops of both nations entered into a fistfight.
"There is no delegation from China. Around 100 delegates, representing the G20 countries, besides Indian delegates, arrived in the capital city on Saturday for a two-day programme," a senior official with the state government told Economic Times.
So far, there has been no official response from both countries.
The theme of the G20 meeting in Itanagar was 'Research, innovation initiative, gathering'. It was organised by the state science and technology department and was not open to the media.
The delegates, who arrived at the state on Saturday morning, was accorded a grand welcome to the state. An exhibition showcasing various tribal arts and cultures was also held. The delegates also visited the Thupten Gatseling Monastery and the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum where they were briefed about the history and rich culture of the northeastern state.
Besides Arunachal, a G20 meeting will also be held in Jammu and Kashmir in second week of May. Pakistan has already expressed its protest over the conduct of meeting in the northern most state, but India has overridden its opposition to go ahead and schedule the meeting. The g20 event is also at a much higher-level meeting compared to the RIIG event in Itanagar.
