India, China trying to find solution on stapled visa issue

BANGALORE: India and China are discussing ways to find a solution regarding Beijing's policy to issue stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Yan said.

"This is the issue being discussed between the two governments. So, that means the two governments are working on it. So, once we have the solution, you will know. We are working on that," Zhang told PTI.

He replied in the affirmative when asked if India and China are "working" to review this policy, which has emerged as a sticky issue between the two countries.

Zhang hastened to add: "This issue (stapled visas) does not hinder our cooperation. Our cooperation is going on very well."

India had last month expressed unhappiness over the issuance of stapled visas by China to five sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh with government sources, saying, "We are still searching for a de-stapler."

The Chinese Embassy had issued stapled visas to five karate players from Arunachal Pradesh preventing them from taking part in an international championship in China.

China started issuing stapled visas to people from Jammu and Kashmir from 2008.