India Firmly Rejects China’s Renaming of Arunachal Pradesh, Calls Move “Senseless”
Last Updated on April 2, 2024 11:18 am
In a bold stance against China’s recent move to rename approximately 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, India has firmly rejected the action, labeling it as “senseless” and reiterating the region’s integral status within India.
China’s decision to rename Arunachal Pradesh as “Zangnan,” claiming it as part of South Tibet, has been met with staunch opposition from India, which has consistently dismissed such assertions. This move follows China’s previous attempt to escalate tensions by assigning Chinese names to 11 locations in the state.
Despite minor scuffles between troops along the disputed frontier in December 2022, tensions had somewhat subsided following extensive military and diplomatic discussions. However, Arunachal Pradesh remains a contentious issue, often serving as a focal point for tensions between India and China.
Responding to China’s actions, India’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh’s status as an integral and inalienable part of India, emphasizing that assigning fictitious names would not alter this reality.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar underscored the futility of name changes, likening it to an attempt to claim ownership over another’s property. He emphasized that altering names does not change the ground realities.
China’s objection to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated infrastructure projects, further underscores the contentious nature of the region. India dismissed China’s opposition as baseless.
The United States has also weighed in on the issue, expressing its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and condemning any unilateral attempts to challenge its sovereignty. China dismissed the US stance, asserting that the matter was unrelated to Washington.
The ongoing dispute over Arunachal Pradesh is emblematic of the broader tensions between India and China, who share a lengthy and historically contested border. Despite efforts to mitigate tensions, including military disengagement talks, the issue remains a focal point in their complex bilateral relationship.