Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

In response to the recent assertion by the United States regarding its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian Territory and its condemnation of unilateral territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China swiftly voiced its strong disapproval and opposition on 21 March 2024. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian, addressing queries from official Chinese media during a press briefing, expressed China's firm opposition, stating, "China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this."

China's reaction came shortly after Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, declared in a daily press briefing that the US acknowledges Arunachal Pradesh as Indian Territory and firmly opposes any unilateral endeavors to advance territorial claims through incursions or encroachments across the Line of Actual Control.

Lin reiterated that the delimitation of the China-India boundary remains unresolved and reaffirmed China's longstanding claim over Arunachal Pradesh, referred to as 'Zangnan' in official Chinese terminology. He emphasized that this territorial dispute is exclusively between China and India and does not involve the United States. Furthermore, Lin criticized the US, alleging that it consistently exploits disputes in other nations to serve its own geopolitical interests.

The US statement followed remarks by the Chinese Defence Ministry reiterating China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh subsequent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the region. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Chinese Defence Ministry, vehemently rejected India's assertion over Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining that the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) is integral to China's territory.

China has consistently objected to visits by Indian leaders to Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as South Tibet. Prime Minister Modi's inauguration of the Sela Tunnel on 09 March 2024, aimed at enhancing all-weather connectivity to strategically important Tawang, further intensified tensions.

As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Modi is losing his popularity in his own country, and he foresee his defeat obviously, in the upcoming General election to be held in April 2024. During his rule, India faced severe challenges such as: 

Economic Challenges: Issues such as unemployment, inflation, poverty, and economic inequality remain significant concerns for voters.

Social Issues: Caste-based discrimination, religious tensions, gender equality, and social justice are key areas of focus during elections.

Security Concerns: National security, terrorism, border disputes, and internal conflicts shape the security narrative in the run-up to elections.

Governance and Corruption: Transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption are prominent issues that influence voter sentiment.

Environmental Sustainability: Climate change, pollution, water scarcity, and conservation efforts garner attention as environmental concerns gain prominence.

Due to his poor performance, all political parties in India has united against Modi. Modi’s extremist policies has forced all political parties to unite against him. 

It is possible that Modi to gain sympathy in the elections, may execute any false flag operation with some of it immediate neighbors. Most probably, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Nepal can be easy target. But, it is also possible to enhance border tension with China too. 

Prime Minister Modi is extremist and can go to any extend to win election once again to become third time Prime Minister. His is power greed and over ambitions are rather dangerous and can harm his neighbors.  Inauguration of the Sela Tunnel on 09 March 2024, is merely am initial step in this direction.

Modi Government joined American’s campaign to counter China, Contain China, and resist the peaceful rise of China. In return, The US extends full support to India, on diplomatic and political front. India itself has no capacity to compete China, but, seeking US support and assistance to show its anti-China sentiments. 

China is firm to counter any intervention of US in mutual disputes between China and India. It is believed, any involvement of any third country, may further complicate the situation. It is desired that the US may refrain to issue any unnecessary statement. However, China is engaged with India to resolve all disputes through negotiation. And both countries are capable to overcome their concerns mutually. 

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)