Mamata cancels China trip; Here is why

In a series of tweets, Banerjee explained why in spite of accepting the Government’s request she is unable to visit China.

Mamata Bannerjee/ PTI

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday cancelled her visit to China over non-confirmation of "political meetings at appropriate level" by the Chinese government.

West Bengal CM @MamataOfficial cancelled her China visit under exchange program citing non confirmation of any high level political meeting suiting her stature. @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/eyqZgAgTMF

— Pranay Upadhyaya (@JournoPranay) June 22, 2018

In a series of tweets, Banerjee explained why in spite of accepting the Government’s request she is unable to visit China. She said, till yesterday, everything was going on well, but unfortunately, the Chinese side could not confirm the political meetings at appropriate level as informed by our Ambassador in China.

Till yesterday, everything was going on well, but unfortunately, the Chinese side could not confirm the political meetings at appropriate level as informed by our Ambassador in China.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 22, 2018

Banerjee was scheduled to leave for China tonight. The state Finance Minister Amit Mitra said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has been informed about the cancellation of the visit. The Facebook post says, "It has now been intimated by our Ambassador in China that the political meetings at the appropriate level under the Exchange Programme could not be confirmed. Therefore, the purpose of my visit with a delegation to China under the Exchange Programme is of no use,". "Although our Ambassador in China had tried his best to make the programme a success, non-confirmation of the political meetings at the appropriate level as proposed by the Indian Ambassador to China, at the last moment, has unfortunately compelled us to cancel the visit," she said. "However, I wish the continuation of the friendship of India and China in the days to come and it should strengthen further in the interest of both the countries," the chief minister added.