Amidst heightened tensions with India over territorial disputes, China has released a fourth list comprising 30 new names for locations in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs unveiled the latest list of standardised geographical names in Zangnan, which is the Chinese term for Arunachal Pradesh, a region that Beijing contends belongs to south Tibet.
The names were published on the ministry’s official website and are set to become effective from May 1.
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The latest move by China to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh aligns with its broader efforts to assert control over geographical regions it claims.
The implementation measures specify strict guidelines for translating names into foreign or minority languages, highlighting adherence to standards established by the State Council.
India has consistently rejected China’s attempts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming that the state is an integral part of the country.
Indian authorities have criticised China’s actions as futile and assert that such actions do not alter the ground realities.
This latest development follows a series of diplomatic exchanges and statements between the two countries regarding Arunachal Pradesh.
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Earlier this year, China expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the region, during which he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, aimed at enhancing all-weather connectivity to strategically significant areas like Tawang.
China’s Foreign and Defence Ministries have intensified their rhetoric on the issue, highlighting China’s territorial claims over the region.
However, India has firmly rebuffed these claims, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissing them as “ludicrous” during a recent lecture at the Institute of South Asian Studies.
In addition to diplomatic tensions, the United States’ assertion recognising Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory has further irked Beijing.
The Chinese government has criticised Washington’s involvement in the matter, asserting that the boundary issue between China and India should be resolved bilaterally.
Despite China’s continued efforts to assert its claims, India remains resolute in defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty, rejecting any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the region.
