US Backs India, Reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh As Indian Territory Amid Chinese Claims

In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the United States has reiterated the country's recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and strongly opposed any attempts to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control.

Speaking at his press conference on Wednesday (20 March), State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, "The United States recognises 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." 

This declaration follows remarks made by the Chinese military reaffirming its claim over the state after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit there.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang had stated earlier this week that the southern part of Xizang, known as Tibet, is an inherent part of China's territory.

Zhang asserted Beijing's opposition to the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India."

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It's important to note that, China has routinely protested Indian leaders' visits to the state, which it refers to as Zangnan, as part of its efforts to assert its territorial claims.

However, India has consistently rejected China's assertions, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country.

New Delhi has also dismissed Beijing's attempt to assign "invented" names to the region, emphasizing that such actions do not alter the ground reality.

Responding to the latest remarks, India's Ministry of External Affairs stated on Tuesday (19 March) that it has taken note of the "absurd claims" advanced over the territory of Arunachal Pradesh.

The government reiterated that the state "was, is and will always be" an integral and inalienable part of India.

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