We unequivocally condemn China’s latest attempt to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, deeming it vain and preposterous. Under the leadership of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Government of India has reiterated in clear terms that such “creative naming” exercises do not and cannot alter the immutable fact that Arunachal Pradesh is, has always been, and will always remain an integral part of India.
This is not an isolated development. In April 2024, China launched the so-called “Zhanna Provincial Renaming Program”, in which it arbitrarily assigned names to 30 geographical features, including mountains, rivers, and habitations—most of which lie well within Indian territory. India promptly and categorically rejected the move, reaffirming its sovereign claim over the region.
China’s such claims hold no ground in international law or historical fact. As India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar aptly stated, “If I change the name of your house, will it become mine?” — a sentiment that encapsulates the absurdity of such unilateral assertions.
This is not the first time China has resorted to renaming tactics to bolster its territorial claims. Similar lists were released in 2017 and 2021. Each time, India has firmly dismissed these moves as politically motivated attempts to fabricate territorial narratives.
Such actions only serve to heighten tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where both nations have been engaged in protracted discussions aimed at de-escalation and disengagement. Despite existing bilateral agreements, unilateral actions like these continue to undermine the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect.
India remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty. We welcome the MEA’s swift and unambiguous rejection of China’s actions, sending a strong message that superficial cartographic maneuvers will not change realities on the ground.
Arunachal Pradesh is not just a geographical territory—it is a vital part of India’s national identity, enriched by its culture, heritage, and the patriotic spirit of its people. We stand united in affirming that no amount of nomenclature engineering can dilute India’s rightful and enduring claim over it.
