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Sophia Klein
India Protests China’s New Counties in Disputed Ladakh Region
India formally protested against China’s creation of new counties in the Hotan prefecture, which includes disputed territory in Ladakh. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed India’s stance on not recognizing Chinese claims. This protest comes amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize Sino-Indian relations following heightened tensions since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
India has formally lodged a protest against China’s creation of two new administrative counties in the Hotan prefecture of Xinjiang. These newly established counties encroach upon areas within the Indian-administered union territory of Ladakh, which was once part of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government, as reported by News.Az citing The Independent, articulated through diplomatic channels that it does not recognize China’s claims over these regions.
Kirti Vardhan Singh, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, reiterated the nation’s position in a written response to parliament, stating that “The government of India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area.” Singh asserted that the establishment of these counties will not affect India’s claim of sovereignty or validate China’s claims.
Beijing’s initiative, initially reported by state media in December, announced the formation of He’an County and Hekang County, located in the Hotan area, linked to Aksai Chin. This contested region has been under Chinese control since the 1962 conflict, despite India’s firm belief that it is part of its territory.
In response to parliament’s inquiries regarding China’s infrastructural activities in Aksai Chin, Mr. Singh indicated that the Indian government is actively monitoring border projects by China. He noted, “Government gives careful and special attention to the improvement of infrastructure for the development of border areas… to meet India’s strategic and security requirements.”
The discourse on India’s protest emerges amid efforts to stabilize Sino-Indian relations. Earlier in December, a significant meeting occurred between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi—symbolizing a renewed commitment to easing border tensions and enhancing trade cooperation.
Relations between India and China have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, leading to a military escalation along the Line of Actual Control. Both nations have since mobilized troops and engaged in multifaceted negotiations aiming to de-escalate the situation, with a recent agreement reached to facilitate patrolling arrangements in eastern Ladakh.
The Indian government’s protest against the establishment of new administrative divisions by China underscores ongoing territorial disputes. Firmly rejecting Chinese claims, India remains vigilant about its territorial sovereignty and is enhancing its border infrastructure to bolster economic and military readiness. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to alleviate tensions between both nations amid a backdrop of historical conflicts and recent encounters at the border.
Original Source: news.az
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