The recent statements by China’s Foreign Ministry, reiterating that “Zangnan is China’s territory, and China does not recognize the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ illegally established by India,” have once again thrust the long-standing border dispute into the global spotlight. This isn’t just a war of words; it’s a clear manifestation of China’s assertive foreign policy, with recent incidents like the Shanghai airport incident revealing the Dragon showing its real face in a deeply concerning manner. For anyone tracking India-China relations or concerned about geopolitical developments in Asia, understanding the nuances of this territorial claim is crucial.
A diplomatic conference table with miniature flags of India and China positioned on opposite sides, separated by a distinct, illuminated line representing the disputed border. The lighting is somber, reflecting tension, with subtle shadows hinting at complex negotiations. Keywords: India China border dispute, diplomatic table, geopolitical tension, Zangnan claim.
The Deep Roots of a Dispute: Historical Context of Arunachal Pradesh
The disagreement over Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet,” is deeply embedded in history, predating even the modern nations of India and China. India vehemently asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of its territory, a stance rooted in the McMahon Line established during the 1913-1914 Simla Convention. This convention, involving British India, Tibet, and China, saw British India and Tibet accept the McMahon Line as the boundary.
However, China has consistently refused to ratify this agreement, arguing that Tibet was not a sovereign entity capable of entering into international treaties independently. Beijing views the McMahon Line as a product of “imperialist aggression” and “illegal.” This historical divergence escalated into the 1962 Sino-Indian War, during which China briefly occupied parts of the state before a unilateral ceasefire and withdrawal to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite this, the war cemented a legacy of strategic mistrust and intensified territorial tensions, profoundly impacting India-China relations.
China’s Escalating Tactics: Renaming and Restricting
In recent years, China has employed increasingly aggressive tactics to bolster its territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh. One of the most prominent strategies has been the unilateral China renaming places in the Indian state. Since 2017, Beijing has released five lists, cumulatively renaming more than 80 locations, including residential areas, mountains, rivers, lakes, and mountain passes, which it refers to as “Zangnan.” India has consistently rejected these renamings as “preposterous attempts” to alter the undeniable reality of Arunachal Pradesh’s integration into India.
The Shanghai airport incident in November 2025 served as another stark example of China’s assertive posture. An Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh, Pem Wangjom Thongdok, was reportedly detained for over 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Chinese immigration officials allegedly declared her Arunachal Pradesh passport “invalid” because her birthplace was listed as a territory China claims as its own. This incident, which India termed “humiliation and racial mockery” and a “violation of international norms,” prompted a strong diplomatic protest from New Delhi. China, however, denied harassment, reiterating its stance that immigration officials acted in accordance with laws and regulations.
A split image. On one side, an Indian passport open to a page showing “Arunachal Pradesh, India” as the place of birth, with a subtle glow around it, symbolizing validity. On the other side, a shadowy hand holding a red stamp labeled “INVALID” over a blurred, generic passport, implying a denial or rejection. The background is a stylized airport lounge. Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh passport, Shanghai airport incident, passport invalid, China territorial claims, diplomatic protest.
The Global Perspective: International Recognition and Bilateral Dynamics
The international community generally recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, with several major global powers explicitly supporting India’s position. The US recognition Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India is a consistent stance since 1962, with the United States strongly opposing any unilateral attempts by China to advance territorial claims across the LAC. This provides crucial diplomatic backing to India amidst China’s persistent assertions.
While the UN calls for de-escalation and bilateral dialogue, and the EU promotes a rules-based regional security architecture, the dispute remains primarily a bilateral border issue between India and China. China’s actions, including objecting to visits by Indian leaders and foreign dignitaries to Arunachal Pradesh, reflect its continued refusal to acknowledge India’s sovereignty over the region. These ongoing provocations, far from altering facts on the ground, only serve to highlight China’s willingness to exert pressure through varied means, challenging international norms.
Impact on the Broader India-China Relationship
The unresolved territorial dispute over Arunachal Pradesh is a foundational impediment to a healthy India-China relationship. Politically, it fosters deep-seated strategic mistrust, making comprehensive cooperation difficult and compelling both nations to pursue often conflicting foreign policy objectives. Diplomatic exchanges are frequently overshadowed by these claims, impacting everything from trade negotiations to global institutional interactions.
Militarily, the dispute fuels increased militarization along the LAC. Both countries continue to bolster infrastructure and troop presence, leading to occasional standoffs like those in Doklam (2017), Galwan Valley (2020), and Tawang (2022). This constant military posturing raises concerns about regional stability and the risk of escalation, particularly given the strategic importance of the region and the vulnerability of India’s northeastern states.
Economically, while India and China are significant trading partners, the underlying tensions create an environment of uncertainty. This can impede bilateral trade and investment, lead to increased scrutiny for Indian businesses in China, and heighten political risks for Chinese investments in India. Consequently, India is actively pursuing diversification strategies to reduce economic dependence and mitigate geopolitical risks.
Conclusion: A Persistent Challenge to Regional Stability
The Dragon showing its real face through its persistent territorial claims on Arunachal Pradesh, manifest in actions like the Shanghai airport incident and China renaming places, continues to be a major source of contention. Despite China’s assertions that “Zangnan is China’s territory,” India’s unwavering stance and international recognition uphold Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. The ongoing border dispute fundamentally shapes India-China relations, creating strategic mistrust and presenting a persistent challenge to regional stability. Moving forward, continued diplomatic vigilance and a firm resolve remain crucial in addressing Beijing’s assertive posture and safeguarding India’s sovereignty in the face of evolving geopolitical developments.
About the Author
