A new diplomatic row has broken out between India and China over visas for journalists. The issue came to light when Indian media reported earlier this week that two Indian reporters stationed in Beijing were barred from returning from India to their jobs in the Chinese capital.

Chinese authorities have suspended the visas of the correspondents for the Hindu newspaper and state broadcaster Prasar Bharati.

The move came after a Chinese staffer with state-run Xinhua News Agency was told to leave India last month.

Both sides blame each other for creating visa hassles for their journalists.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said India has been ignoring China's concerns on the issue of visas for its journalists. Accusing the Indian side of making "repeated mistakes," she said China must take "countermeasures" to protect the rights and interests of Chinese media.

Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said his country hoped Chinese authorities would facilitate Indian reporters' continued presence in China.

Tensions remain high between India and China over territorial disputes.

The countries have recently been quarreling over place names. India objects to China renaming 11 locations in the eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. China refers to the region as southern Tibet and claims it as its territory.