In a move sparking tensions, China has renamed 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh with Chinese and Tibetan names, marking the fourth instance of unilateral changes. This action is seen as China’s ongoing effort to assert territorial claims over the northeastern Bharatiya state. The new names will be adopted on official Chinese maps later this year.
The renaming follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, aimed at facilitating troop movement in the mountainous region. Bharat has consistently rejected such renaming attempts and dismissed China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing its integral status within Bharat.
Responding to China’s actions, Bharat’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh remains an integral part of Bharat, unaffected by China’s renaming efforts. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that changing names does not alter the territorial status of Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming Bharat’s stance on the matter.
China’s civil affairs ministry released the updated list of names, incorporating Chinese characters, Tibetan, and pinyin standard romanization. This latest renaming covers 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a piece of land, encompassing more disputed territory than previous renaming efforts.
Analysts view China’s renaming strategy as a means to instill anxiety about territorial loss, with historical roots dating back to the 1920s. However, experts argue that many of China’s claims are unfounded and stem from misunderstandings of East Asian history, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
China’s actions coincide with the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Ladakh sector since May 2020, exacerbating bilateral relations to their worst state in decades. The deadly clash at Galwan Valley in June 2020 resulted in casualties on both sides, marking the first fatalities along the Line of Actual Control since 1975.
Despite China’s attempts to unilaterally alter names and assert territorial claims, Bharat remains steadfast in its position, asserting the integral status of Arunachal Pradesh within its borders. The renaming serves as a stark reminder of the simmering tensions between the two Himalayan neighbors, further complicating efforts to resolve longstanding disputes peacefully.
Comments