Key points
- Zangnan, which India calls Arunachal Pradesh, is part of the Tibetan autonomous region
- In total, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs has standardised 27 places
- 15 mountains, 5 residential areas, 4 mountain passes, 2 rivers and 1 lake have been renamed
ISLAMABAD: China has reasserted its territorial claims near its contested border with India, renaming dozens of places which fall in Indian-controlled territory.
The locations have been assigned a name in Chinese characters, Tibetan and pinyin – the romanised spelling of Mandarin Chinese, according to the South China Morning Post.
Zangnan, which India calls Arunachal Pradesh, is part of the Tibetan autonomous region.
In total, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs has standardised 27 places, covering 15 mountains, five residential areas, four mountain passes, two rivers and one lake.
“Zangnan of China”
“In accordance with the relevant provisions of the State Council on the management of geographical names, we in conjunction with the relevant departments have standardised some of the geographical names in Zangnan of China,” the ministry said.
The development has ruffled many feathers in India, which has rejected the move.
The assertion of control over areas in Indian-controlled regions like Arunachal Pradesh increases the likelihood of future military clashes or skirmishes, especially with both sides heavily militarised along the border.
A deadly military clash in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in 2020 sent relations between the nations into a tailspin.
Twenty Indian soldiers and four Chinese personnel were killed in the encounter.
What’s at stake for India?
India will likely have to ramp up defence expenditures to counter China’s military build-up, especially in sensitive areas like Ladakh, which could stretch India’s resources and strain its defence budget.
India, a developing nation, grapples with poverty, lower standard of living, unemployment and low wages. War with China might spell a catastrophe for both nations.
Diplomatic pressure
India also might face greater diplomatic pressure, particularly from China’s allies, making it harder to gain international support. Its relationships with other countries could be strained if the tensions escalate further.
The already complex trade relations with China could be jeopardised, leading to disruptions in the supply of critical goods and raw materials. India could also see a rise in anti-China sentiments affecting investment and trade.
If China successfully imposes its claims, India’s global image as a rising power in Asia could be tarnished, undermining its aspirations for a larger role in international governance and trade.
In contrast, China might not feel the same pressure, given its global status as a large economic and military power.
