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Despite repeated overtures of friendship, China continues to display hostile intent towards India. In its latest move, Beijing has yet again unilaterally renamed several locations in Arunachal Pradesh—a region that is an integral and inalienable part of India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong rebuttal, categorically rejecting China’s attempts and reaffirming India’s sovereign stance over Arunachal Pradesh.
MEA Slams China’s Provocation as ‘Futile and Repetitive’
Reacting firmly to China’s move, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said,“We have observed that China has continued its futile and futile efforts to change the names of places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. In line with our principled stand, we categorically reject such efforts.”
He further asserted, “Assigning invented names will not alter the reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inseparable part of India.”
China’s Rebranding Tactic: Old Game, New Names
Beijing refers to Arunachal Pradesh as ‘Zangnan’ and claims it as part of southern Tibet. It isn’t the first time China has attempted to project this narrative—similar renaming exercises were carried out in the past, including in 2024, and were unequivocally rejected by India. These tactics are part of a broader Chinese strategy to assert illegitimate territorial claims through cartographic aggression and psychological operations.
On May 14, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said, “The Zangnan region belongs to China. The Chinese government’s recent effort to standardize the names of some places in Zangnan is fully within China’s sovereignty.”
India has dismissed such remarks as yet another baseless claim lacking any legal or historical foundation.
Understanding the Border Dispute
Arunachal Pradesh shares a long border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) serves as the de facto border between the two countries. China, which refuses to recognize the McMahon Line—the legal boundary agreed upon in the 1914 Simla Convention—continues to propagate its claim over Arunachal Pradesh despite India’s clear rejection.
Strategic Perspective: China’s Wider Geopolitical Play
Commenting on the broader context, Maj Gen (Dr) Ashok Kumar (Retd), Director General, Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, stated, “This is part of China’s larger strategy to assist Pakistan and divert attention from its internal failures. While supporting Pakistan openly with satellite surveillance and advanced military hardware, China is simultaneously engaging in diversionary tactics like renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh.”
He added, “China is looking to provoke regional tensions with its declining credibility in global defence markets due to poor equipment performance. This naming stunt is just another round of psychological warfare.”
India’s Response: Rebuttal and Strategic Posture
It is the fourth such attempt by China in recent years. Each time, India has responded with clarity and firmness. Maj Gen Kumar emphasized, “This drama is nothing new. China has pulled this trick multiple times and has consistently received a strong diplomatic response from the MEA.”
He further recommended a more assertive Indian posture: “India must consider responding in kind by renaming key locations in Tibet, including beyond Aksai Chin, to highlight the illegitimacy of Chinese occupation.”
Way Forward: Strength Through Preparedness and Alliances
Maj Gen Kumar concluded by underlining the strategic imperative for India: “India must fast-track capability development to handle a potential two-front threat scenario effectively. In parallel, leveraging regional and global partnerships will be crucial whenever China indulges in such provocative and anti-status quo behaviour.”
Huma Siddiqui
