In a show of solidarity with India, the United States has reaffirmed its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, denouncing all attempts by China to assert territorial claims in the region.
During a routine press briefing on Wednesday, state department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel asserted the United States’ recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory.
Patel emphasized strong opposition to any incursions or encroachments across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), whether military or civilian.
This declaration from the Joe Biden administration follows recent assertions by the Chinese military reiterating its claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang of the Chinese defence ministry had earlier this week labelled the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) as integral to China’s territory, dismissing Arunachal Pradesh as an “illegally established” region by India.
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China, which often refers to Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet and has named the area Zangnan, regularly protests Indian leaders’ visits to the state to underscore its territorial claims.
India has consistently rejected China’s assertions, reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s status as an integral part of the country.
The Indian government has dismissed Beijing’s attempts to assign alternative names to the region, highlighting that such actions do not alter the ground reality.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday condemning the “absurd claims” made by the Chinese defence ministry spokesperson regarding Arunachal Pradesh. India reiterated that the state has been, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of the nation.
The reaffirmation of support from the United States comes amid ongoing tensions between India and China over border disputes. It underscores Washington’s commitment to bolstering India’s position in the region.
