According to official media reports, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defence Ministry, emphasised that the southern segment of Xizang (Tibet’s Chinese designation) is an inherent part of China’s territory, firmly rejecting the existence of “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India”. Zhang’s remarks came in response to India’s reinforcement of its military preparedness via the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, as detailed in a report published on the Chinese Defence Ministry’s website on Friday.
China, asserting Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, regularly protests Indian dignitaries’ visits to the area to underscore its claims, also designating the region as Zangnan. Conversely, India consistently rebuffs China’s territorial assertions over Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining the state’s integral status within the nation. India also disregards China’s attempts to assign “fabricated” names to the area, asserting that such actions do not alter the factual situation.
On March 9, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at facilitating all-weather connectivity to strategically significant Tawang and improving troop movement in the frontier region.
The Rs 825 crore tunnel, situated on the route connecting Assam’s Tezpur to West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, is touted as the world’s longest two-lane road tunnel at such an elevation. Indian military officials affirm that the Sela Tunnel will enhance troop and weaponry deployment to various forward positions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Zhang criticised Modi’s visit, stating that such actions contradict efforts to ease border tensions and impede peace and tranquillity in border areas. He reassured that the current border situation remains generally stable, with effective diplomatic and military communication addressing mutual border concerns.
Zhang urged India to refrain from actions complicating the border issue and earnestly uphold peace and stability in the region, emphasising the Chinese military’s vigilance in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Zhang’s response follows the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s statement on Monday regarding lodging a diplomatic protest against India over Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh. India firmly rejected China’s objection, affirming Arunachal Pradesh as an integral and inalienable part of India.
In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s consistent stance, stating that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will” always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Jaiswal emphasised that objections to Indian leaders’ visits or developmental projects in Arunachal Pradesh lack rationale and do not change the factual status of the state.
