Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun
The recent statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry has once again drawn sharp criticism after it reiterated Beijing’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to the region as “Zangnan” and asserting that it is an integral part of China. Chinese spokesperson Guo Jiakun further stated that China has the right to “standardize” place names in the region, a move widely seen as an attempt to reinforce its territorial claims through administrative labeling.
India strongly rejects such assertions, viewing them as not only baseless but also provocative, especially at a time when both nations have repeatedly spoken about maintaining stability along the border. New Delhi has made it clear that renaming or reclassifying Indian territory in official Chinese communication does not alter the reality on the ground.
History of Arunachal Pradesh and Its Status Within India
Arunachal Pradesh has long been administered by India and is recognized as one of its northeastern states. The region has deep historical, cultural, and administrative linkages with the Indian Union. After India’s independence in 1947, the area continued under Indian governance and was formally constituted as a Union Territory in 1972 before attaining full statehood in 1987.
India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh has always been an integral part of its territory, with local governance structures, democratic institutions, and constitutional recognition firmly established over decades. The people of Arunachal Pradesh actively participate in India’s political system, further reinforcing its status as an inseparable part of the country.
Historical Maps and International Recognition
Several historical maps produced by British colonial administrators and early Indian cartographers consistently depict Arunachal Pradesh as part of India’s northeastern frontier. These maps predate the modern Sino Indian boundary dispute and show no inclusion of this region within Chinese territorial limits.
Internationally recognized cartographic records and administrative documents from various archives have historically aligned with India’s position, showing the region as part of the Indian subcontinent rather than Chinese territory. India has often pointed to such historical documentation to reinforce its claim, arguing that there is no credible basis for China’s assertions over the region.
Map from Hugh Richardson's Tibetan Precis, showing the areas under the w:en:McMahon Line that have Tibetan influences
India’s External Affairs Ministry Position
The Ministry of External Affairs of India has repeatedly dismissed China’s renaming exercises and territorial claims, stating that Arunachal Pradesh is, was, and will remain an integral part of India. In response to earlier instances of similar actions by China, India has consistently protested through diplomatic channels, asserting that such unilateral steps do not change the legal or political status of Indian territory.
The ministry has also emphasized that peace and stability along the border require mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. India has urged China to refrain from activities that complicate the boundary question or undermine trust-building efforts between the two nations.
Read More : China’s Shift from “Tibet” to “Xizang” and the Controversy Surrounding “Xizang Panorama” at KIMFF 2025
