New Delhi, August 29, 2023: India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has rebuked China’s recent publication of a map depicting Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of its territory. In response to the territorial assertions, Jaishankar stated, “It’s an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesn’t make others’ territories yours.”
China’s latest map, unveiled in its 2023 edition, also lays claims to Taiwan and the South China Sea. The provocative map release coincides with the upcoming G20 nations summit, hosted by India from September 8-10, which will see the participation of global leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During their recent meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced concerns to President Xi Jinping regarding the significant deployment of PLA forces in East Ladakh. Emphasizing the importance of de-escalation and disengagement along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), Prime Minister Modi underlined the path towards normalization.
The strained relationship between India and China, stemming from the Galwan valley clash three years ago, has prompted 19 rounds of military-level discussions. As India asserts its sovereignty over the contested regions, China’s provocative map release underscores the ongoing complexity of border disputes and territorial claims.
The display of China’s map, which also claims territories disputed by neighboring nations like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei in the South China Sea, has drawn global attention.
