India protests after 3 athletes unable to enter China for Asian Games
- Martial arts athletes are from India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, a region that is claimed by China
- They were reportedly approved to take part but could not download their accreditation cards, which act as visas
The three female martial arts athletes are from India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh – an area that is claimed by Beijing as Zangnan, or South Tibet.
Indian media reported that the trio had been approved to take part in the sporting event being held in the eastern Chinese city by the 19th Asian Games Organising Committee. But they were unable to download their accreditation cards, which act as visas to enter China.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman on Friday said the country welcomed athletes from all countries “with valid legal documents”, suggesting Beijing did not recognise the Indian passports.
“The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh, and the Zangnan region is part of Chinese territory,” spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference in Beijing.
Meanwhile, a senior Olympic Council of Asia official denied the three athletes had been barred, saying they had been issued visas for the Hangzhou Asian Games.