In a significant statement reinforcing its support for India, the United States has explicitly recognized Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of Indian territory, amidst escalating tensions between India and China. The affirmation comes at a critical juncture, following provocative claims by the Chinese military that labeled Arunachal Pradesh as “an inherent part of China’s territory.”
The US State Department’s declaration underscores a firm opposition to any attempts by China to assert territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh through military incursions or civilian encroachments across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursion or encroachments, military or civilian across the Line of Actual Control,” the statement emphasized.
This position from the US directly counters the contentious remarks made by Chinese defense ministry spokesman, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, who referred to Arunachal Pradesh using the name “Zangnan,” and disputed its status as part of India. Zhang’s comments, which also mentioned the strategic Sela Tunnel project aimed at bolstering India’s military presence in the region, have added fuel to the already tense relations between India and China.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs promptly responded to China’s claims, reiterating the nation’s unwavering stance on Arunachal Pradesh. “Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India,” the ministry stated, dismissing China’s assertions as “absurd.”
The backing of the United States in this matter sends a strong message of solidarity with India and is a clear rebuke to China’s territorial assertions. As the international community watches closely, the US’s unequivocal support plays a crucial role in affirming India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the importance of upholding territorial integrity and international law in the face of unilateral territorial claims.
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