China Releases New Geographical Names List for Arunachal Pradesh, Escalating Tensions with India

New Delhi: In a move that could further strain relations between China and India, China has reportedly issued another list of standardized geographical names for Arunachal Pradesh, a region China claims as Zangnan.

The announcement of the fourth list of standardized geographical names by China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs includes thirty additional names in the disputed region, according to reports from Chinese state media. This action is seen as a continuation of China’s efforts to assert its claims over the contentious territory.

This latest move follows previous attempts by the Chinese government to standardize names in the region. In April 2023, China released its third list, which included the standardization of 11 names using Chinese characters, Tibetan, and pinyin. The first list was issued in 2017, followed by a second list in 2021. The implementation measures for the new list are scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2024.

China has long maintained its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as Zangnan and insisting that it is an “inherent part of China’s territory.” However, India has consistently rejected these claims, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated in recent years, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the strategic Sela Tunnel further exacerbating the situation. Despite China’s objections, India has remained firm in its stance, emphasizing that China’s claims are unfounded and will not alter India’s position on the matter.