China describes reports on dam construction as 'inconsistent'

Criticising the Indian media, China has said the reports of construction of a dam by it on the Brahmaputra River are "inconsistent with facts".

Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu, in a recent media briefing in China, said, "As far as I know, the reports of Indian media are inconsistent with facts".

Ma was replying to a question on recent media reports that China has decided to build a dam on the upstream section of Yalu Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra's name on Chinese side).

Prime minister Manmohan Singh had last week told a delegation from Arunachal Pradesh that China has not constructed any dam on Brahmaputra River and only run-off-the-river construction had been made.

A media report had said that China was building a big dam on the river, prompting India to express concern over the development as it would change the course of the river and could result in submersion of low-lying areas downstream.

The Chinese spokesman has also expressed "grave concern" over Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama's proposed visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying, "We think that has further exposed the anti-China and separatist nature of the Dalai clique.

"We are resolutely against the Dalai Lama's visit to the so-called Arunachal Pradesh," Ma said.

India has maintained that the spiritual leader is a guest and is free to go anywhere the country including Arunachal Pradesh, which is an integral part of the country.