CIA Map of Tibet with “Approximate Line of Communist Advance” and cities “Reportedly occupied by Communists” dated February 1950 and marked “CONFIDENTIAL”
In the ongoing saga of the territorial dispute between India and China, Beijing has once again reiterated its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, despite India dismissing such assertions as baseless and without merit. This latest exchange further escalates tensions between the two neighbouring nations, adding to the complexity of a long-standing border disagreement.
China’s stance was reaffirmed by its Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, who emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh, known as Zangnan in Chinese, has always been an integral part of China’s territory. This claim comes in response to remarks made by India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, who labelled China’s repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh as “ludicrous” and firmly asserted the region as an integral part of India.
The historical backdrop of this dispute traces back to the intricate geopolitics of the 19th century, as highlighted by Marco Respinti in his analysis of the region’s complex history in a recent report titled “The CCP’s Weaponization of Geographical Maps” on Bitter Winter portal. Aksai Chin, a semi-desert region in northwest India, became a focal point during colonial times when the British Indian government demarcated boundaries, including the Ardagh–Johnson Line, placing Aksai Chin within India’s territory.
However, tensions flared in the 1950s when China constructed a road through Aksai Chin, leading to the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The aftermath of this conflict saw the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) occupying Aksai Chin, while India continued to assert its claim over the region. Arunachal Pradesh, another flashpoint in the dispute, has witnessed occasional incursions and tensions, with China laying claim to this Indian state as well.
Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing border dispute between India and China lies the contentious issue of Tibet’s annexation by China, serving as a critical element in understanding Beijing’s territorial claims. Tibet, historically an independent region with its own distinct cultural and religious identity, was forcibly annexed by China in the 1950s, leading to widespread international condemnation and resistance. China’s incorporation of Tibet into its territory not only altered the geopolitical landscape of the region but also laid the groundwork for its expansionist ambitions, reflected in its claims over territories such as Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. The annexation of Tibet remains a sore point in Sino-Indian relations, casting a shadow over discussions on the broader territorial disputes and serving as a reminder of the complex historical legacies that continue to shape contemporary geopolitics in the region.
India’s firm rejection of China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh echoes its broader stance on the unresolved border issue. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar underscored India’s consistent position on the matter, emphasizing the absurdity of China’s claims and highlighting the ongoing boundary discussions between the two nations.
Despite diplomatic protests and previous rejections from India, China remains steadfast in its assertions over Arunachal Pradesh, citing historical precedents and administrative control. The recent exchange of statements underscores the deep-rooted complexities of the border dispute, further complicating bilateral relations between two of Asia’s largest powers. As both nations navigate this intricate territorial tussle, the specter of unresolved disputes continues to loom large over regional stability and geopolitical dynamics.