US Slams China’s Arunachal Pradesh Claim: Asserts Strong Support for Indian Territory

The United States has reiterated its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and expressed strong opposition towards any unilateral attempts by China to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The assertion was made by State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, highlighting the Biden administration’s stance on the longstanding territorial dispute.

This statement from the Biden administration official comes in the wake of renewed tensions between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh. Recent remarks from the Chinese military reiterated Beijing’s claim over the northeastern state, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit and the launch of development projects in the region.

The Chinese defence ministry, earlier this week, restated its assertion over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “Zangan,” an integral part of China’s territory. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence, emphasized China’s stance, stating, “Zangnan is China’s inherent territory, and China never recognises and firmly opposes India’s illegal establishment of the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh.'”

Responding to queries during a press briefing, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Patel reaffirmed the United States’ position, denouncing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo along the LAC. Patel emphasized, “The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.”

India has consistently rejected China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting its integral status within the country’s borders. The Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement underscoring India’s commitment to the development and welfare of Arunachal Pradesh’s populace.

Responding to the recent remarks from the Chinese Defence Ministry, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s firm stance. Jaiswal emphasized, “Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects,” dismissing China’s claims as baseless and devoid of validity.