China’s recent release of a new map claiming territories that are disputed by India has caused heightened tensions between the two nations. The map shows north-eastern Arunachal Pradesh state and the disputed Aksai Chin plateau as part of China’s territory, which has been strongly objected by India. This move by China has not only strained India-China relations further but has also led to protests from other neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Nepal. Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s rumored cancellation of his attendance at the upcoming G20 leaders talks in Delhi due to the map controversy adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The disputed border between India and China, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), has been a long-standing issue, with soldiers from both sides coming face to face at numerous points. China claims the entire Arunachal Pradesh region, referring to it as “South Tibet,” while India asserts control over the Aksai Chin plateau. This territorial dispute has been a major source of tension between the two countries, with occasional clashes and skirmishes occurring over the years.
The release of this provocative map by China is seen as a direct challenge to India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. It is aimed at asserting Chinese dominance and control over disputed regions, which India firmly rejects. India’s Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, has labeled China’s claim as “absurd,” reflecting the strong stance taken by India in response to this provocation.
The repercussions of this map controversy extend beyond just India-China relations. The Philippines and Malaysia have also lodged protests against China’s claim of ownership over large parts of the South China Sea, as depicted in the map. Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province, has objected to its inclusion in the map as well. Nepal, having recently revised its own map, raising tensions with India, cancelled a politician’s visit to China due to China’s omission of the new map’s boundaries.
This latest incident adds fuel to the already deteriorating relations between India and China since the deadly clash in Galwan valley, Ladakh in 2020. It was the first fatal confrontation between the two sides in over four decades and has intensified hostilities between them. The disengagement and de-escalation efforts agreed upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during the Brics summit in South Africa are now in jeopardy due to this map controversy.
China’s response to the criticisms and protests from India and other countries has been dismissive, stating that it is a routine exercise of its sovereignty. However, this only further aggravates the situation and highlights the deep-rooted territorial disputes that have plagued bilateral relations for years.
In conclusion, China’s release of this controversial map asserting its claims over disputed territories has reignited tensions with India and neighboring countries. The repercussions of this incident are likely to intensify the existing conflict and impede efforts at disengagement and de-escalation. The international community should closely monitor the situation and encourage peaceful dialogue to resolve the territorial disputes and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
