China on Tuesday said that it is left with no choice but to take preventive measures like curbing international travel to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The statement came at the backdrop of Indian students’ protest against the restrictions at the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, reported PTI.

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Several Indian students, who were studying or got admitted to Chinese universities and are stranded in India after the coronavirus outbreak, staged demonstrations outside the Chinese embassy in New Delhi on Monday demanding Beijing to permit their return to rejoin their studies.

Reacting to the Indian students’ protest in Delhi, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that the COVID-19 is still spreading in many parts of the world.

“So, in this context, the Chinese government has no choice but to take a lot of prevention and control measures,” Hua said.

Considering the virus outbreak, China is adjusting its measures in accordance with the evolving situation, in order to ensure the safe, healthy and orderly flow of Chinese and foreign travellers, she added.

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The spokesperson also noted that similar travel restrictions are being imposed on its own citizens as well to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“I want to stress that China’s inbound prevention and control measures are applied to all inbound travellers, including its own citizens,” she said.

Last week, the Indian ambassador to China Vikram Misri criticised China for its exaggerated and prolonged stringent travel restrictions.

“We are disappointed to see an unscientific approach with regard to several problems currently being faced by Indian students, businessmen, marine crew and exporters, to name a few,” Misri said.

Over 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying in China’s medicine universities are stranded in India since last year. Apart from students, many businessmen and Indian families settled in China are also stuck here due to the country’s travel permit

These curbs also resulted in several people either losing jobs, businesses, or separation of families.