China has strongly objected to India’s formal announcement of names for 27 geographical sites and features in Arunachal Pradesh, calling the move “illegal, null and void,” saying it cannot change Beijing’s claim over the region.
Political Context
“Zangnan region is China’s territory. The statement follows an announcement by the Indian government on Friday that 27 geographical sites and features across Arunachal Pradesh had been officially standardised on Survey of India maps.
China does not recognize the so-called “Arunachal Pradesh” illegally set up by India. India’s move of attempting to replace names long been used by China with its so-called “standard names” is illegal, null and void. Still less will it change the fact that Zangnan region belongs to China,” said spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China as per Bloomberg report. The Union government said the locations were identified in consultation with the Arunachal Pradesh government and that the move was aimed at improving public awareness and ensuring accurate recognition of the places. Last month, state Home Minister Mama Natung also dismissed reports of Chinese encroachment as “just rumours” and urged the media to verify such claims before publishing them. “There is no Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh,” Natung said, adding that Indian soldiers were deployed along the border around the clock.
In a statement on Monday, China’s Foreign Ministry said India’s attempt to replace names that have long been used by China was unacceptable. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday denied the reports, saying he would speak to local residents and the Indian Army to verify the claims.
