China opposes US recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory

ITANAGAR: Following the announcement by the US affirming its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian Territory and condemning unilateral territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China swiftly responded on Thursday (March 21), expressing strong disapproval and opposition to the US statement.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian, in response to a query from official Chinese media during a press briefing, stated, “China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this.”

China’s reaction came after US state department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel stated in a daily press briefing that the US recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments across the Line of Actual Control.

Lin emphasized that the delimitation of the China-India boundary remains incomplete and reiterated China's longstanding claim over Arunachal Pradesh, known as 'Zangnan' in official Chinese terminology.

He emphasized that this territorial issue is solely between China and India and does not involve the US.

Moreover, Lin criticized the US, alleging that it has consistently exploited disputes in other nations to serve its own geopolitical interests.

The US statement followed remarks by the Chinese Defence Ministry reaffirming China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the region.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang had vehemently rejected India's assertion over Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining that the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) is integral to China's territory.

China has persistently objected to visits by Indian leaders to Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as South Tibet.

Prime Minister Modi's inauguration of the Sela Tunnel on March 9, aimed at enhancing all-weather connectivity to strategically important Tawang, further intensified tensions.

India has consistently rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting its integral status within the country.

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated on March 19 that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, dismissing China's assertions as baseless.