India has lodged a strong protest with China over the recent establishment of two new counties, parts of which fall within the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced today. The development, which involves the creation of He’an County and Hekang County in Hotan Prefecture of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has drawn sharp criticism from India, which maintains that these areas fall under its sovereign territory.
The Chinese state media outlet Xinhua reported on December 27 that the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council had approved the establishment of the two counties, which Hotan Prefecture will administer. However, India has asserted that portions of these counties lie within Ladakh, in an area known as Aksai Chin, which has been under Chinese control but is claimed by India as part of its territory.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s position, stating:
“We have seen the announcement regarding the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh. India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of its territory in this area.”
Jaiswal further emphasized that the creation of these counties would not alter India’s longstanding stance on the matter:
“Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same. We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels,” he said.
According to Chinese reports, the county seat of He’an is located in Hongliu Township, while the county seat of Hekang is in Xeyidula Township. These areas, however, are part of what India considers an illegally occupied region.
The protest underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations over border disputes, particularly in the Ladakh region. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks, the issue remains unresolved, contributing to strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Concerns Over China’s Hydropower Project on Brahmaputra River
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has raised concerns over China’s construction of a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has conveyed its views and apprehensions to China through both diplomatic and expert-level channels.
According to a report by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua on December 25, the hydropower project is being developed in the Tibet Autonomous Region. As a lower riparian state with established rights to the river’s waters, India has reiterated its concerns regarding the potential downstream impact of such mega projects.
“We have consistently conveyed our views and concerns to the Chinese side through expert-level mechanisms and diplomatic channels,” Jaiswal said. “These concerns have been reiterated following the latest report, emphasizing the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.”
India has urged China to ensure that the interests of lower riparian states are not adversely affected by upstream activities. “The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary measures to protect our interests,” Jaiswal added.
The construction of hydropower projects on transboundary rivers has long been a contentious issue between India and China. India emphasizes the need for cooperative and transparent mechanisms to address the ecological, economic, and social impacts on downstream regions.
Team BharatShakti
