China Reveals New Names for Arunachal Pradesh Locations amidst Border Tensions with India

China has introduced a fourth list containing 30 new names for various locations in Arunachal Pradesh, continuing its efforts to assert territorial claims over the Indian state. This move comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries over the contentious border issue.

The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs released the latest list of standardized geographical names in Zangnan, the Chinese term for Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing regards as part of south Tibet. The release of these new names underscores China’s persistent stance on the disputed region.

India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and argues that any alteration of names does not change this fact.

According to a report by the state-run Global Times, the new list of names was posted on the official website of the Chinese Civil Affairs Ministry. These names are scheduled to be implemented from May 1, with strict measures in place to prevent the use of foreign languages that may challenge China’s territorial claims and sovereignty rights.

This latest development follows previous releases of standardized names for Arunachal Pradesh, with the first list of six names issued in 2017, followed by subsequent lists in 2021 and 2023, comprising 15 and 11 names, respectively.

Tensions between China and India over Arunachal Pradesh have escalated recently, particularly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet in the region. The tunnel aims to enhance all-weather connectivity to strategically significant areas like Tawang.

In response to China’s repeated assertions over Arunachal Pradesh, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed China’s claims as “ludicrous,” emphasizing that the state is an integral part of India.