‘Part of India, Arunachal Pradesh’: US amid escalating tensions between China and India
NEW DELHI: According to the US State Department, on Wednesday, the US government “strongly” opposed any “incursions or encroachments” along the Line of Actual Control and regards Arunachal Pradesh as a part of Indian territory. It happened a few days after Arunachal Pradesh was referred to as an “inherent part of China’s territory” by the Chinese military.
“The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursion or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control,” read the statement.
The southern portion of Xizang, the Chinese name for Tibet, is an intrinsic part of China’s territory, according to senior colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Chinese defence ministry. Beijing “never acknowledges and firmly opposes” the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India,” according to official media.
The statements were made in reaction to India’s decision to fortify its armed forces by building the vital Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.
When Indian leaders come to the region to advance their claims, China usually opposes such visits. Beijing has also given the area the name Zangnan.
It said on Monday that, in response to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh last week, it has filed a diplomatic complaint with India. The statement “India’s moves will only complicate the unresolved boundary question” reaffirmed its claim to the area.
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will always be” an essential and inalienable part of India, citing the “absurd claims” made by China’s Defence Minister.
