 "Dragon's absurd renaming of places in Arunachal: Hegemonic China rattled by rising India")
In a brazen display of territorial aggression, the bully state of China has once again attempted to assert its dominance over India by laying claim to the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. Ignoring historical facts and international law, China’s Ministry of Defense boldly declared Arunachal Pradesh, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, as part of its own territory. China’s Ministry of Defense, Senior colonel Wu Qian asserted, “It is an undeniable fact that Zangnan (The Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh) has been Chinese territory since ancient times, and there’s no so-called Arunachal Pradesh.” This provocative claim, dismissing the sovereignty of India over Arunachal Pradesh, was met with swift and firm rebuttal from Indian authorities.
China’s audacious assertion, labelling it as nothing short of “absurd”. Rejecting China’s claim that Zangnan belongs to its territory, India reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of the Indian nation. In a significant show of solidarity, the United States has also thrown its weight behind India, recognising Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and firmly opposing any attempts to alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through military or civilian means.
However, China’s aggression wasn’t limited to its territorial claims against India. In a separate incident, China’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, rebuffed India’s recent backing of the Philippines’ sovereignty over the South China Sea. Jian emphasised China’s stance that maritime disputes should be resolved solely between the concerned parties, without interference from external actors. This statement underscored China’s broader territorial ambitions and its insistence on asserting control over disputed regions, including Arunachal Pradesh and the South China Sea.
China’s Expansionist Propaganda Intensifies
Now coming back to Arunachal, as China’s propaganda has only intensified in the last few weeks. Let us look what China has been upto in the last few weeks and what has India’s response been. As both nations continue to assert their claims and engage in verbal sparring, the risk of escalation remains a concern, with implications not only for the immediate region but also for global stability.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsLin Jian, representing China’s Foreign Affairs, reiterated China’s long-standing opposition to India’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh. He pointed to India’s establishment of Arunachal Pradesh in 1987 on what China asserts as its own territory, labeling it an illegal and invalid move. China’s stance on this issue, Jian emphasised, has remained unwavering.
However, historical evidence presents a different narrative. Prior to India’s establishment of Arunachal Pradesh, China’s effective jurisdiction over the region remains questionable. Arunachal Pradesh has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with ties to various indigenous communities dating back centuries. There is little historical evidence to suggest Chinese presence or authority in the region before India’s assertion of control.
Moreover, the withdrawal of Chinese forces, including from areas like Tawang, during the 1962 Sino-Indian war further undermines China’s claims of historical jurisdiction. If Arunachal Pradesh truly belonged to China, one might question why Chinese forces withdrew from what China now claims as its own territory.
In light of these historical facts, China’s assertions regarding Arunachal Pradesh appear to be based on conjecture rather than concrete evidence. The region’s history, coupled with the events of the past century, cast doubt on China’s claims and highlight the complexities underlying the dispute.
This aggressive stance comes hot on the heels of the opening of the strategically significant Sela tunnel by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a move aimed at bolstering India’s border infrastructure and enhancing its defensive capabilities in the face of escalating tensions with China. As Beijing and New Delhi engage in a war of words, the world watches closely, witnessing yet another chapter in the tumultuous relationship between these two Asian giants.
Delving into the annals of history reveals a tumultuous relationship between India and China, characterised by territorial disputes and geopolitical maneuvering. China’s belligerent actions, exemplified by its recent claims over Arunachal Pradesh, epitomize its status as India’s foremost adversary. What was once a strategic ally has now metamorphosed into a formidable foe, with China openly flexing its muscles to advance its expansionist agenda. By staking dubious claims to parts of India’s sovereign territory, China is not merely asserting its dominance but acting as a modern-day coloniser, seeking to subjugate its neighbour through intimidation and coercion. This blatant display of aggression underscores the urgent need for India to stand firm against China’s encroachments and safeguard its territorial integrity against the bully tactics of its most formidable adversary.
China’s territorial claims initially focused solely on Tawang, a region within Arunachal Pradesh, where the sixth Dalai Lama was believed to have been born. However, since the 2000s, China has expanded its claims to encompass the entirety of Arunachal Pradesh, despite India’s longstanding sovereignty over the area since 1955. This shift in China’s stance is primarily driven by its aim to suppress Tibetan nationalism, which it perceives as being supported by India.
Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic location at the meeting point of the borders of China, Myanmar, and Bhutan further enhances its significance. This aggressive posture reflects a broader strategy by China to extend its sphere of influence and control, consistent with its approach in other territorial disputes such as those in the East and South China Seas. These border disputes with India signify a strategic departure from Deng Xiaoping’s policy of maintaining a low profile, as China seeks to assert its historical dominance as the Middle Kingdom.
On December 29, 2021, China unilaterally declared the renaming of fifteen locations within Arunachal Pradesh, India’s northeastern bastion ensconced within the Himalayas. Even recently on April 2, 2024 India vehemently rejected China’s recent attempt to rename certain places in Arunachal Pradesh as “senseless” and “invented”.
India reaffirmed its unwavering stance, emphasising that such arbitrary actions do not alter the undeniable truth: Arunachal Pradesh is, has always been, and will forever remain an integral part of India.
This audacious move, accentuating China’s insatiable appetite for territorial expansion. Despite a litany of border agreements inked between India and China, spanning from the Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement (BPTA) in 1993 to the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) in 2013, tensions along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) persist unabated, exemplified by recent flare-ups like the Galwan Valley clash of 2020 and the ongoing standoffs in Eastern Ladakh.
In the past week, China’s state-controlled mouthpiece, The Global Times, has launched a relentless propaganda campaign against India. Through skewed narratives and baseless accusations, it seeks to undermine India’s sovereignty and promote Beijing’s hegemonic agenda. This orchestrated disinformation effort aims to sow discord and instability in the region, highlighting China’s malicious intent on the global stage. Such propaganda calls for vigilance and unity in countering China’s manipulative tactics.
India looks the Bully in the Eye
Amidst this onslaught of propaganda, India’s proactive stance is evident in its monumental efforts to enhance border infrastructure, particularly in the strategically vital state of Arunachal Pradesh. In a remarkable departure from previous policies, the Modi government has spearheaded a monumental transformation in India’s border infrastructure, particularly in the strategically crucial state of Arunachal Pradesh. Prior to 2014, the region remained neglected, with development initiatives impeded by purported security concerns. However, under the current administration, a paradigm shift has ensued, marked by an unwavering commitment to reinforcing connectivity and fortifying defenses along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
As of February 2022, projects worth a staggering Rs 14,032 crore are underway in Arunachal Pradesh. One of the projects is Sela Tunnel, inaugurated on March 9, 2024, at a cost of Rs 825 crores, connecting Tezpur to Tawang, near LAC with China. It is the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel at an elevation exceeding 13,000 feet.
This transformative initiative promises to enhance strategic mobility while thwarting Chinese surveillance efforts. Furthermore, the inauguration of the Siyom Bridge in January 2023 has significantly streamlined the movement of heavy artillery and defense forces, underscoring India’s resolve to reinforce its border infrastructure.
Notably, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has undertaken a Herculean task, constructing 64 roads spanning 3,097 km in Arunachal Pradesh over the past five years alone. Additionally, ambitious projects such as the Arunachal Frontier Highway, traversing 2,000 km from Mago to Vijayanagar, herald a new era of connectivity and accessibility for border communities. This monumental endeavour, complemented by initiatives like the Twin Tunnel under the Brahmaputra, epitomises India’s foresighted stance in safeguarding its territorial integrity and boosting its defense capabilities.
Moreover, PM Modi’s visionary leadership has redefined the narrative surrounding border villages, exemplified by the transformation of Kibithoo from India’s purported “last village” to its rightful status as the “first village”. This symbolic gesture underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive development initiatives, epitomised by the Vibrant Villages Programme, aimed at fostering sustainable livelihoods and bolstering rural infrastructure across northern border states.
In conclusion, as the bully state of China continues its relentless attempts to undermine India’s sovereignty, the resolute response from Indian authorities and the visionary initiatives undertaken by the Modi government stand as a testament to India’s unwavering resolve. While China’s propaganda machine works overtime to spread disinformation, India’s focus on transformative infrastructure projects in Arunachal Pradesh speaks volumes about its commitment to progress and development. With each stride forward, India reaffirms its position as a formidable force to be reckoned with, ready to face any challenge head-on. As the Himalayan giants clash, it is India’s determination and resilience that will ultimately prevail, ensuring a brighter future for the nation and its people.
The author is a practicing advocate. She writes articles on women’s rights, politics, and law. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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