Itanagar, Aug 30: The territorial disputes between India and China have been a longstanding issue, and the release of China’s “standard map” claiming regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin has added fuel to the fire. India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, responded to these claims, dismissing them as “absurd claims” that don’t alter the reality of territorial ownership.
The controversy arose when China unveiled its 2023 edition of the so-called “standard map of China,” which included Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin within its borders. This move was met with strong disapproval from India.
Jaishankar, while addressing this issue, highlighted China’s past habit of making claims over territories that belong to other nations. He referred to this behavior as an “old habit” of China and emphasized that it doesn’t change the reality on the ground.
Also Read: Assam Government Inaugurates the Maligaon Flyover to Ease Traffic Woes in Guwahati
“It is not something which is new. It started in the 1950s. So just by putting out a map claiming territories, some of which are part of India… I think this doesn’t change (anything). These are very much part of India,” Jaishankar stated.
The External Affairs Minister further clarified India’s stance, asserting that the Indian government is crystal clear about its territories and is committed to defending them, as evidenced by its actions on the borders.
“Just making absurd claims does not make other people’s territories yours. Let’s be very clear on that,” Jaishankar added, underscoring India’s resolute position on its territorial integrity.
India’s response to China’s claim was prompt and firm. It lodged a strong diplomatic protest against the so-called 2023 “standard map” that laid claim to Indian territory. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, stated that these claims have no basis and only serve to complicate the resolution of the boundary issue between the two countries.
This is not the first time China has attempted to assert its claims over disputed territories. In April, China renamed several places in Arunachal Pradesh, a state integral to India. India firmly rejected these moves, emphasizing that such actions do not alter the reality of Arunachal Pradesh being an integral part of India.
China’s behavior regarding territorial disputes, which includes renaming places and releasing maps claiming foreign territories, has been a consistent point of contention in India-China relations. India’s response, as articulated by EAM Jaishankar, remains clear and steadfast: Absurd claims do not change the facts on the ground, and India will continue to defend its territory.
