NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has officially recognised Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, firmly opposing any unilateral attempts by China to advance its territorial claims. The statement came from a senior Biden administration official, Vedant Patel, amidst escalating tensions over the disputed region.
Speaking at a daily press conference, Patel emphasised, โThe United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments across the Line of Actual Control.โ The statement underscores the Biden administrationโs support for Indiaโs sovereignty and territorial integrity amid Chinaโs persistent claims over Arunachal Pradesh.
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China swiftly responded, expressing firm opposition to the U.S. recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of Indian territory. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated Chinaโs stance, stating that the U.S. has no role in the border dispute between India and China. Lin Jian emphasised that the delimitation of the China-India boundary remains incomplete and reaffirmed Chinaโs claim over Arunachal Pradesh, known as โZangnanโ in Chinese, as an undeniable part of its territory.
The latest exchange comes after the Chinese military reiterated its claim over Arunachal Pradesh following Prime Minister Narendra Modiโs visit to the region. Chinaโs Defence Ministry spokesperson, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, vehemently opposed the โso-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.โ
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India has consistently rejected Chinaโs territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting it is an integral part of the country. On March 9th, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh. This tunnel, designed to offer all-weather connectivity, particularly benefits the strategically positioned Tawang region and enhances the mobility of troops along the frontier area.
As geopolitical tensions continue to simmer in the region, the U.S.โs explicit support for Indiaโs territorial integrity marks a significant development. However, Chinaโs firm opposition underscores the complexity of the India-China border dispute and the challenges ahead in resolving it diplomatically
