On Wednesday, the US made a significant statement, declaring its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory. Moreover, it explicitly expressed its strong opposition to any unilateral attempts by China to expand its territorial claims along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Chinese Response
The Chinese Foreign Ministry swiftly responded to the US’s stance on Arunachal Pradesh, dismissing it as a matter outside US jurisdiction. According to Reuters, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated that the boundary issue between India and China remains a bilateral affair, emphasizing that it has “nothing to do with the US.”
Ministry’s Position
Spokesperson Lin Jian, addressing the media, emphasized that the demarcation of the China-India boundary remains incomplete. He pointedly remarked, “Everyone knows that the US has always used indiscriminate means to provoke and exploit disputes of other countries to serve its own selfish geopolitical interests.”
Chinese Standpoint on Territory
Earlier in the week, a senior Chinese Defence Ministry official, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, articulated China’s firm stance on the issue. He asserted that the southern part of Xizang, known as Tibet, is an integral part of China’s territory. China vehemently rejects the existence of the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.”
Objections to Indian Actions
Furthermore, Chinese authorities expressed strong objections to India’s actions in the region. Wang, during a press briefing, stated, “India has no right to arbitrarily develop the area of Zangnan in China. India’s relevant moves will only complicate the boundary question and disrupt the situation in the border areas between the two countries.”
India’s Rebuttal
India swiftly responded to China’s objections, affirming its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated India’s stance, stating that Chinese objections cannot alter the reality of Arunachal Pradesh being an integral part of India.
India’s Firm Position
Jaiswal emphasized, “Repeating baseless arguments does not lend validity to such claims. Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India.” He further highlighted India’s commitment to the region’s development through various infrastructure projects and initiatives.
Infrastructure Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent inauguration of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh marked a significant milestone. The tunnel, situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet, promises all-weather connectivity to strategically important areas like Tawang. This development is expected to facilitate smoother troop movements along the frontier.
China’s Disapproval
Despite India’s endeavors to bolster infrastructure, China remains steadfast in its refusal to acknowledge Arunachal Pradesh’s legitimacy. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, reiterated China’s stance, denying recognition of the region as anything other than Chinese territory.
FAQs:
1. Is the US’s recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory a unilateral decision?
Yes, the US has independently recognized Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, prompting objections from China.
2. What is China’s primary objection to India’s actions in Arunachal Pradesh?
China asserts that India’s developments in the region complicate the boundary issue and disrupt border stability.
3. How does India respond to Chinese objections regarding Arunachal Pradesh?
India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of its territory, dismissing Chinese objections.
4. What recent infrastructure development has occurred in Arunachal Pradesh?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, promising all-weather connectivity to strategic areas like Tawang.
5. Why does China refuse to acknowledge Arunachal Pradesh’s legitimacy?
China views the region as part of its territory and rejects any claims to the contrary by India.
6. What geopolitical interests does the US allege China is pursuing in the region?
The US accuses China of advancing its territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for its selfish geopolitical interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dispute over Arunachal Pradesh underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics between China, India, and the United States. Despite diplomatic tensions and differing stances, the region remains a focal point of strategic interest for all parties involved.
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