BEIJING – China on Friday slammed India for linking the border issue with economic and trade cooperation, saying that the settlement of the border situation should not affect the normal development of bilateral ties.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks after a senior Indian official told Reuters that India could ease its scrutiny of Chinese investments if the border remains peaceful.

There have been doubts that India has some hidden considerations behind its discriminatory measures and selective law enforcement against Chinese companies, Mao said.

The Indian official's claim proved that the doubts are not entirely unfounded, she added.

Noting that the situation on the border area remains stable, Mao said the border issue between China and India is left over from history and should be appropriately placed in bilateral ties and also properly handled.

In recent years, trade volume between the two countries has witnessed continuous growth, exceeding $100 billion for years despite India's curbs on Chinese investments.

The facts have demonstrated the resilience and potential of economic and trade ties between the neighbors, Mao said.

China hopes that India will fully understand the mutually beneficial nature of economic and trade cooperation, and provide a fair, just, transparent and nondiscriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, she said.

Contact the writer at zhoujin@chinadaily.com.cn