Recent Updates:
- China has unilaterally announced ‘standardised’ names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh.
- According to the Chinese foreign ministry, change of names was a legitimate action carried out in line with Chinese law.
- Experts feel that China’s announcement is aimed at reaffirming its territorial sovereignty over the region.
- Chinese move comes as a retaliation against Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
- According to China, Arunachal Pradesh is part of South Tibet and has close Buddhist links to the Tibet Autonomous Region. Official Chinese maps show Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet.
Critically comment on China’s position on India’s Arunachal Pradesh. Do you think China’s concerns and reactions to India’s activities in Arunachal Pradesh are driven by its insecurity about India‘s rise in Asia? Examine. (200 Words)
In 1951, China became India‘s neighbour not owing to geography but by annexing Tibet. In recent years China has created conflict zone across the Himalayas especially in Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh is internationally recognized as a state belongs to India. It is influenced by Tibetan, Burmese and Bhutanese culture.
China lays its claim on Arunachal Pradesh (AP) on the basis of its cultural similarity with Tibet. It has gone to the extent of citing of birth of 6th Dalai Lama in Tawang District (AP) in 17th century. The irony is that China openly covets AP as a cultural extension to Tibet, thus is a part of China.
China‘s claim on Arunachal Pradesh can‘t be driven by insecurity of India‘s rise in Asia rather it can be treated as a classic attempt of incremental annexation. Since 2000, China has been claiming AP (earlier only Tawang) in its entirety and is motivated by its desire to put a stop on Tibetan nationalism which it believes is fueled by support from India. Arunachal Pradesh is also strategically located at the confluence of the international borders of India, China, Myanmar and Bhutan.
This extension of territorial claims and increasing aggressions in Arunachal Pradesh, East and South- China sea Islands, indicates a concerted strategy of widening of China‘s sphere of influence and control. Thus to counter this India also need to develop strategic policy and not just adopt ‘wait and watch‘ policy