China Claims Arunachal Pradesh Belongs to Them Despite India's Rejection

Defense News ,India :-  The Chinese military recently repeated its belief that Arunachal Pradesh belongs to China. They say it's a part of their country, despite India saying otherwise. This happened after India refused to listen to China's objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Defence Ministry, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, stated that the southern part of Tibet, which they call Xizang, is definitely China's. He also said that China doesn't accept and strongly opposes what they call the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh," which India created. This was reported by official Chinese media.

Zhang said this in response to India improving its military readiness through the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet and regularly protests when Indian leaders visit the state to emphasize India's ownership.

China even renamed the area as Zangnan. However, India has always rejected China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, saying it's an essential part of India. India has also disregarded China's attempt to give "made-up" names to the area, stating that it doesn't change the facts.

On March 9, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, situated at 13,000 feet altitude in Arunachal Pradesh. This tunnel will provide year-round connectivity to Tawang and will help in better troop movement in the frontier region. It's considered the longest two-lane tunnel at such a height, costing Rs 825 crore. Indian military officials believe it will help in moving troops and equipment to various locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Zhang didn't directly mention Modi's visit but stated that India's actions contradict efforts to ease border tensions and don't help in maintaining peace in the border areas. He mentioned that the current situation at the border is generally stable, with both countries having effective diplomatic and military communication regarding border issues.

Zhang urged India to stop actions that make the border issue more complicated and to work towards maintaining peace and stability in the area. He emphasized that the Chinese military is highly alert in protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This reaction from Zhang followed a statement from China's foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday, who mentioned lodging a diplomatic protest with India over Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

India strongly rejected China's objection, stating that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always be an integral part of India. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said that China has been repeatedly informed about India's consistent stance on this matter. Jaiswal mentioned that China's objection to visits like Modi's won't change the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is part of India.

Jaiswal also pointed out that Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh just like they visit other states of India. Objecting to such visits or India's development projects in the region doesn't make sense. He reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is and always will be a fundamental part of India.