US Recognition of Arunachal Pradesh Prompts China’s Strong Opposition

China has expressed strong opposition to the recent declaration by the United States recognizing Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, emphasized that the boundary dispute between India and China is a bilateral issue and does not involve the US.

The US had stated its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and denounced unilateral efforts by China to assert territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control. This move has further heightened tensions between the US, China, and India.

Following the US declaration, China’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, reiterated China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as Zangnan or Southern Tibet. Beijing has consistently opposed any developments by India in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s recent inauguration of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at enhancing connectivity to Tawang, has intensified the territorial dispute. China has adamantly rejected India’s claims, asserting its sovereignty over the area.

India has stood firm on its stance regarding Arunachal Pradesh, with the Ministry of External Affairs dismissing China’s objections as baseless. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh has always been an integral part of India.