Chinese military reasserts claim over Arunachal Pradesh amid tensions with India

Amid escalating tensions, the Chinese military has once again reaffirmed its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, branding the region as an “intrinsic part of China’s territory.” This declaration comes in the wake of India’s firm rejection of Beijing’s objection to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the disputed state.

The Chinese Defence Ministry’s spokeswoman, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, restated Beijing’s position, saying that Tibet’s southern region is an essential component of China’s territory. He denounced as unlawful the purported creation of “so-called Arunachal Pradesh” by India. Official Chinese media carried Zhang’s remarks, which emphasized Beijing’s steadfast opposition to Indian politicians visiting the area, which China refers to as Zangnan.

The statements were made in response to military operations carried out by India, including Prime Minister Modi’s opening of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. Built at a height of 13,000 feet, the tunnel’s goal is to improve all-weather communication to strategically important locations, such as Tawang, enabling more efficient troop moves along the frontier.

Despite China’s persistent territorial claims, India has firmly asserted Arunachal Pradesh’s integral status within its borders, rejecting China’s attempts to alter the region’s identity. Indian officials have emphasized that such projects and visits to Arunachal Pradesh are routine and legitimate, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

In response to China’s objections, India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated India’s unwavering stance on the matter. He emphasised that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will remain an integral part of India, dismissing China’s protests as baseless and inconsequential.