At a weekly press briefing in Islamabad on December 5, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad offers “consistent and full support to China on all matters concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” His statement came in response to questions about Beijing’s recent remarks asserting that Arunachal Pradesh which China refers to as “Zangnan” is part of its territory.
China had revived its claim on November 25 following allegations of mistreatment of an Arunachal-born Indian woman at Shanghai Airport. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing has “never recognized Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.” China denied the allegations of harassment and declared the woman’s Indian passport invalid on grounds that the state is “Chinese territory.”
India strongly rejected China’s position. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of India. No matter how many times China denies it, this fact will not change.”
Arunachal Pradesh has long been a flashpoint in India-China relations. Beijing describes the region as part of “Southern Tibet” and has repeatedly attempted to reinforce its claim by renaming towns, mountains, rivers, and passes. In the last eight years, China has released four such lists, renaming more than 90 locations. India maintains that these actions have no bearing on the ground reality.
The recent episode involving Pem Wangzom Thangdok who alleged she was detained and mocked for 18 hours at Shanghai Airport further escalated tensions. India lodged a strong protest, calling the treatment unacceptable.
Strategic analysts say China’s renewed assertions typically emerge during periods of heightened diplomatic activity involving India. Arunachal Pradesh, especially the Tawang region, holds significant strategic value due to its proximity to Tibet and Bhutan.
India has repeatedly asserted that unilateral renaming or political statements cannot alter internationally recognized borders.
