China on Wednesday voiced concern over India's plans to construct a 1,800 kilometer-long road along the contested border in Arunachal Pradesh and called on New Delhi to curb actions that could potentially hurt negotiations on the settlement of the boundary dispute.

The Chinese government is still verifying the details but a resolution on the issue should be dealt with properly, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said.

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Before a negotiated solution is achieved, Hong called on India to refrain from making any action that could worsen the border situation.

Hong urged both sides to strengthen mutual cooperation in safeguarding the peace in the area to promote a positive environment for a resolution on the border dispute.

China seems to have been taken aback after remarks made by Kiren Rijiju, India's Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. The latter announced plans were underway to build a road network along the disputed border from Mago-Thingbu, Tawang all the way to Vijaynagar in Arunachal Pradesh, the Economic Times relayed.

India reportedly stepped up infrastructure plans in the region in reaction to China's extensive air, rail and road networks in Tibet which could allow for easier access in transporting the latter's armies and equipment into the Himalayan region.

China has maintained infrastructure programs in Tibet, including five airports and a rail network near the Sikkim border, are part of the government's drive to develop the more remote areas of the region.

A plan to construct another rail network leading to Nyingchi close to the Arunachal Pradesh border is also underway.

Beijing says Arunachal Pradesh is within its boundaries, claiming the region is a section of southern Tibet.

According to the Times of India, China wants the negotiations to be based under the premise that the contested McMahon line never existed. Senior officials have maintained that its troops never trespassed Indian territory since the line was never defined.

The Chinese stance on the dispute covers only 2,000 kilometers of the Himalayan region, mostly in Arunachal Pradesh, while India contests the dispute encompasses the entire western boundary spanning up to 4,000 kilometers.

TagsChina-India border dispute, Arunachal Pradesh, Tibet