China protests PM Modi's Arunachal visit, reaffirms territorial claims

PTC Web Desk: China has officially lodged a diplomatic protest against India, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reasserting its territorial claims over the region. The Chinese government said "India's actions will further complicate the unresolved boundary question between the two nations".

During his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet. The tunnel, costing Rs 825 crore, aims to provide all-weather connectivity to strategically vital Tawang, facilitating troop movement along the frontier. It is hailed as the world's longest bi-lane road tunnel at such a high altitude.

The military authorities say the Sela Tunnel will enhance troop and weaponry movement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. However, China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to visits by Indian leaders, designating the region as Zangnan.

India has consistently rejected China's territorial claims, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country. New Delhi has also dismissed China's attempt to assign "invented" names to the area, maintaining that such actions do not alter the ground reality.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin addressed the matter during a media briefing, stating, "Zangnan area is Chinese territory," reinforcing that the Chinese government has never recognized the "so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh'" set up by India and strongly opposes it.

Wang said the boundary question between China and India remained unresolved, adding India lacked the right to arbitrarily develop the Zangnan area in China. He argued that India's actions in the region would complicate the boundary question and disrupt the situation in the border areas between the two countries.

In a strong condemnation, Wang declared, "China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the Indian leader's visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary. We have made solemn representations to India."

However, despite diplomatic tensions over territorial disputes, India stands firm on its position regarding Arunachal Pradesh. The Sela Tunnel, a strategic infrastructure project, not only improves connectivity but also signifies India's commitment to developing infrastructure in border regions. 

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