China urges India to provide Chinese firms fair, transparent environment

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) — Beijing on Friday called on India to “provide” a transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.

"In recent years, the international community has always questioned whether there are other considerations behind India's discriminatory measures and selective law enforcement against Chinese companies in the country," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

Beijing’s comments came after reports claimed that New Delhi could ease scrutiny of Chinese companies if the border between the two Asian neighbors remained peaceful, reported the daily Global Times.

"If the relevant reports are true, it proves that the suspicions from the international community are not groundless," Mao said.

The Asian neighbors are entangled in a border dispute in the Ladakh region of disputed Jammu and Kashmir since May 2020, resulting in a fist fight leading to death of 24 soldiers, including 20 from the Indian side.

However, situation has remained peaceful in recent months though the two sides have remained adamant on their positions.

Beijing has "always believed that the China-India border issue, as a historical legacy, should be properly handled appropriately within the bilateral relationship," Mao told reporters in Beijing.

"The overall situation of the China-India border remains stable, and the resolution of border issues should not affect the normal development of the two countries' relationship," she added, urging New Delhi to create a fair environment for Chinese companies operating in India.