The United States has officially affirmed its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and voiced strong opposition against any unilateral actions by China to assert territorial claims along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Responding to recent statements by the Chinese military regarding Arunachal Pradesh following Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the region, state department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized during a press conference on Wednesday, “The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.”These remarks from the Joe Biden administration come in the wake of Chinese defence ministry spokesperson senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogangs assertion earlier this week, reiterating Chinas claim over the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) and disputing the legitimacy of Arunachal Pradesh.Zhang stated that Beijing “never acknowledges and firmly opposes” the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India,” while China refers to the area as Zangnan.Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as South Tibet, has been a point of contention between the two nations for years. China has consistently objected to visits by Indian leaders to the region as a means to assert its claims. However, India has consistently rejected Chinas assertions, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the countrys territory. New Delhi has also dismissed Chinas attempts to assign alternative names to the region, asserting that such actions do not change the ground reality.In response to Chinas recent comments, Indias ministry of external affairs stated on Tuesday that it took note of the “absurd claims” made by the Chinese defence ministry spokesperson regarding Arunachal Pradesh. India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will always be” an integral and inalienable part of Indias sovereign territory.
