1. China’s release of new geographical names for Zangnan, also known as Arunachal Pradesh, intensifies the ongoing dispute.
2. The action fuels tensions between China and India over the contested frontier state.
3. The move underscores the persistent territorial disagreements between the two neighboring countries.
Itanagar, April 01: China has once again stirred controversy by releasing another list of geographical names for Zangnan, the region it claims but is recognized as Arunachal Pradesh in India.
This move comes amidst the ongoing dispute between China and India over the frontier state, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
According to reports from the Chinese state mouthpiece, the Ministry of Civil Affairs unveiled the fourth list of standardized geographical names for the region, including thirty new names commonly used by the public.
Previously, in April 2023, the Chinese government had standardized 11 names in the region using Chinese characters, Tibetan, and pinyin, marking the third list in this series.
The first list was released in 2017, followed by the second in 2021.
These newly implemented measures are set to take effect from May 1, 2024.
Furthermore, the Chinese government has emphasized that foreign language place names that could potentially challenge China’s territorial claims and sovereignty rights must not be quoted or translated without authorization.
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China’s renewed assertiveness over Arunachal Pradesh was underscored earlier this month when it reiterated its claim over the region, labeling it as an ‘inherent part of China’s territory.’
The Chinese government vehemently opposed what it referred to as the ‘so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.’
Additionally, it protested against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh for the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel.
In response, India has consistently rejected China’s claims, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reaffirmed India’s stance, stating that despite China’s baseless assertions, India’s position on Arunachal Pradesh remains unwavering and unchanged.
