China clarifies that its border disputes with India are not related to the US

New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) China expressed dissatisfaction with the US remarks on Arunachal Pradesh, stating that border issues between Beijing and New Delhi have nothing to do with Washington. The US had previously declared recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, sparking tensions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian voiced opposition to the US move, emphasizing that Arunachal Pradesh, known as Zangnan in China, has always been Chinese territory. This response came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh and the inauguration of the Sela tunnel.

India has consistently rejected China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reaffirming the state’s integral and inalienable part of India. The war of words has escalated between the two nations following Modi’s visit, with China condemning the action as complicating the border issue.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang criticized India’s actions as contradictory to efforts to ease border tensions. India retaliated by slamming China for advancing “absurd claims” and reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s integral status in India. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the state’s continued development under Indian programs.

In response to the ongoing verbal clashes, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s stance on Arunachal Pradesh’s sovereignty. The region remains a critical point of contention in the complex relationship between the two Asian giants, with no resolution in sight amidst escalating tensions.