China has once again stirred controversy by renaming 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh with Chinese and Tibetan names, marking the fourth instance of such unilateral actions. The move is viewed as part of China’s ongoing efforts to assert territorial claims over the northeastern Indian state. The revised names are expected to be incorporated into official Chinese maps later this year.
This renaming spree follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, a vital infrastructure project aimed at facilitating troop movement in the mountainous region. Despite China’s objections, India has consistently rejected such renaming attempts and reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh’s integral status within India.
Responding to China’s actions, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s firm stance, stating, “Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” Similarly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that changing names does not alter the territorial status of Arunachal Pradesh.
China’s Civil Affairs Ministry announced the new list of names, incorporating Chinese characters, Tibetan, and pinyin, the standard romanization of Mandarin characters. This move, scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2024, further underscores China’s assertive approach towards disputed territories.
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Bill Hayton, an associate fellow at the Chatham House Asia-Pacific program, views China’s renaming strategy as a means to instill anxiety regarding perceived territorial losses. Hayton highlights the historical roots of such claims and warns of the potential dangers posed by misinterpretations of East Asian history.
China’s previous renaming exercises in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in 2017, coincided with the departure of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama from the region. Beijing’s condemnation of the Dalai Lama as a separatist underscores its sensitivities regarding Tibetan autonomy.
The timing of these renaming efforts amid ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh further complicates India-China relations. The deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 exacerbated bilateral tensions, prompting both countries to deploy additional troops and weaponry along the disputed border.
In conclusion, China’s latest renaming of locations in Arunachal Pradesh reflects its persistent territorial ambitions and escalates tensions in an already volatile region. India’s steadfast rejection of such actions underscores its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst ongoing border disputes.
