On Wednesday, the US expressed support for India’s sovereignty over the state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims to be part of its own territory.
Comments from the US
Vedant Patel, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, said during his press conference on Wednesday that the US “recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory.” “We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control,” he stressed.
Comments from India
Reasserting India’s claims on the state, Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju, said on that, historically, Arunachal Pradesh has no linkages with China, and the state is an integral part of India.
“Historically, we have no linkages or connections with China. So there is no question of Arunachal being part of China. By claiming the State’s territory it will not change the position on the ground. Our position is very clear. Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian territory. It is our sovereign right to develop our own territory and nobody can object us,” Rijiju told PTI in an interview.
He added that India’s territorial sovereignty is non-negotiable, regardless of objections from external entities.
Toured Western Arunachal Pradesh. Also attended Gorsam Kora Festival, interacted with the beneficiaries and inspected the strategic Sela Tunnel.
— Kiren Rijiju (मोदी का परिवार) (@KirenRijiju) March 19, 2024
#AmazingArunachal #IncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/K49fBVKIcd
Rijiju, the representative of the Arunachal West Parliamentary seat, reaffirmed that the state is an inseparable part of India, emphasising its sovereign right to develop its territory without hindrance. He also dismissed Beijing’s objections to Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the state, asserting that the PM, along with any central government agency or Indian citizen, has the freedom to visit any part of Arunachal Pradesh, as it is an integral part of the Indian union. “We are not concerned with China’s statements,” he remarked.
“Being a Cabinet Minister, anything I said is the stand of the government. Government of India has made its stand very clear. China has no business to claim Arunachal Pradesh as its territory,” the minister asserted.
China’s Claims
Earlier this month, PM Modi visited the Sela Tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategically important Tawang region across Sela Pass on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh. It is also expected to enhance troop movement in the frontier region.
Subsequently, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told the media that China “strongly deplores and firmly opposes the Indian leader’s visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary” and has “made solemn representations to India.” He reiterated that China has “never recognised” Arunachal Pradesh, which was “illegally set up by India,” and Beijing “firmly opposes it.”