China’s recent release of a map claiming Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh has sparked reactions from Indian political figures. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the map, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar downplayed its significance.
China’s map includes Aksai Chin, occupied by China in 1962, and Arunachal Pradesh, claimed by China as South Tibet. The claim has been categorically rejected by India. Here are the key points:
- Rahul Gandhi demanded a statement from PM Modi regarding China’s map, asserting that China has taken land from Ladakh and urging the Prime Minister to address the issue.
- S Jaishankar, in an interview with NDTV, called China’s map a habit and highlighted India’s clear stance on its territory.
- India protested against the map through diplomatic channels, stating that such claims have no basis and complicate boundary questions.
- The timing of the map’s release coincides with India’s preparations for the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9-10.
- During the recent BRICS summit in South Africa, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to work on de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- China previously renamed 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, a move rejected by India as the region remains integral to the country.
- The India-China relationship has been strained due to the Ladakh border standoff since May 2020.
The responses come amid concerns over the territorial claims depicted in China’s map and the broader implications for regional dynamics.
