Amid escalating tensions following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the strategic Sela Tunnel, the United States has come forward to clarify its stance on the disputed region. In a significant move, a senior Biden administration official affirmed that the US recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and vehemently opposes any unilateral attempts by China to assert its territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Addressing the issue at a daily press briefing, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reiterated the US position, stating, "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."
China, however, maintains its stance, referring to the region as Zangnan and rejecting India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticized PM Modi's visit, asserting that China never recognized the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India". Wenbin emphasized that the boundary issue between China and India remains unresolved, reiterating China's objection to India's development activities in the area.
Echoing this sentiment, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang reiterated Beijing's stance, emphasizing that the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) belongs to China, and vehemently opposing India's claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
India, however, stands firm in its assertion of sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, dismissing China's objections. In a statement, New Delhi reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, with Indian leaders visiting the region just like any other state. India emphasized that objections to such visits are baseless and will not alter the reality of Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral and inalienable part of India.
India has consistently communicated this position to China on numerous occasions, reiterating its commitment to upholding its territorial integrity. The clarifications from both the United States and India underscore the complexities surrounding the disputed region and the firm resolve of the concerned parties to defend their respective claims.