China releases new map with controversial claims
China has released a new map that shows parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as its territory, sparking a fresh row with India. The map, which was published by the official Xinhua News Agency on November 30, depicts the disputed areas in the same colour as mainland China, indicating its sovereignty claims.
The map also shows Taiwan and the South China Sea islands as part of China, despite the objections of other countries in the region. The map was released to mark the 70th anniversary of China’s entry into the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate in 1953.
India rejects China’s map as ‘baseless’
India has strongly rejected China’s new map, saying that it has no legal basis and does not reflect the reality on the ground. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s position on the boundary issue with China is well-known and consistent.
“Our position on Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin has always been clear and consistent. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. This fact has also been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level,” Bagchi said at a press briefing on Thursday.
He added that India expects China to respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and abide by the agreements and protocols that both sides have signed on the boundary question.
Tensions remain high along LAC
The release of China’s new map comes amid the ongoing standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, where both sides have deployed thousands of troops and heavy weaponry since May 2020. The two countries have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the situation, but have not been able to achieve a complete disengagement.
The last round of talks between the senior commanders of the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was held on October 10, but did not yield any breakthrough. The two sides agreed to maintain stability on the ground and avoid any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions.
India has maintained that it is committed to restoring peace and tranquillity along the LAC, but will not compromise on its territorial integrity and sovereignty. China has accused India of provoking the border conflict and violating the agreements on maintaining peace and stability in the border areas.
