In the wake of China’s objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh and its claims to the region, the United States has publicly backed India, affirming Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory. This assertion was made by a senior Biden administration official amidst escalating tensions over the strategic Sela Tunnel inauguration.
Addressing concerns during a press conference on Wednesday, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reiterated the U.S.’s stance, stating, “The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.”
China, which refers to the area as Zangnan, has vehemently contested India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. Following PM Modi’s visit to inaugurate the tunnel, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin reiterated China’s stance, denouncing India’s presence in what it considers disputed territory. Wenbin emphasized that the boundary issue remains unresolved, asserting China’s dissatisfaction with Modi’s visit and making “solemn representations” to India.
Earlier in the week, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang further emphasized China’s position, stating that the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) belongs to China and rejecting the notion of Arunachal Pradesh as an Indian territory.
India swiftly rebutted China’s claims, asserting Arunachal Pradesh’s integral status within its borders. In a statement, New Delhi dismissed China’s objections to Indian leaders’ visits to the region, emphasizing the historical and legal foundation of its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.
“Further, it will not change the reality that the state of Arunachal Pradesh was, is and always will be an integral and inalienable part of India. The Chinese side has been made aware of this consistent position on several occasions,” New Delhi reiterated.
The U.S.’s explicit support for India’s territorial integrity comes amidst growing geopolitical tensions in the region, with both India and China asserting their claims over contested territories.
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