China opposes G20 meet in Kashmir

China has opposed the holding of a G20 meeting in Kashmir, while Turkey and Saudi Arabia have not registered for the event to be held in Srinagar.

On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that "China firmly opposes holding G20 meetings in any form in 'disputed' areas and will not attend such meetings."

India countered the objection by saying it is free to hold meetings on its own territory. It said peace on its border is essential for normal ties with China.

The 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting will be held on May 22-24 in Srinagar.

This is the first major international event in Jammu and Kashmir since its special status was scrapped in 2019 and it was bifurcated into two union territories.

Around 60 delegates are expected to attend the meeting in Srinagar.

Sources say Turkey has decided to stay away from the meeting, and Saudi Arabia has not registered for the event so far.

Srinagar is under an unprecedented security blanket. Marine commandos and National Security Guards (NSG) have been deployed in the region as part of the ground-to-air security cover.

Officials say the G20 event is to showcase Kashmir's tourism potential and also send a message to the world that it is an integral part of the country.

The participation of member countries of the world's most powerful club is seen as an endorsement of India's stand.