Tensions between India and China escalated after China released its 2023 edition of the “standard map,” which included territories claimed by India. The map depicted Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as part of China’s territory. India strongly objected to the move, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty and an impediment to the resolution of the ongoing boundary dispute.
In response, the Chinese foreign ministry defended the release of the map, characterizing it as a routine exercise of sovereignty within the framework of the law. The ministry urged concerned parties to maintain objectivity and avoid over-interpretation of the map’s content.
The Chinese foreign ministry stated, “The release of the 2023 edition of the standard map of China is the country’s normal exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law,” asserting their sovereignty. They expressed a desire for unbiased consideration from concerned parties and cautioned against excessive interpretation of the map’s release.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) vehemently rejected China’s claims, asserting that they lacked any foundation. In an official statement, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “We have today lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels with the Chinese side on the so-called 2023 ‘standard map’ of China that lays claim to India’s territory. We reject these claims as they have no basis. Such steps by the Chinese side only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.”
China’s “standard map” also extended its territorial claims to Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea, further intensifying regional tensions. Responding to these assertions, India’s Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, dismissed China’s actions as a recurring pattern. He highlighted that China had previously published maps claiming territories belonging to other countries.
Speaking on NDTV Jaishankar emphasized, “China has even in the past put out maps which claimed territories which are not China’s, which belong to other countries. This is an old habit of theirs. It is not something which is new. It started in the 1950s. So just by putting out a map claiming territories, some of which are part of India… I think this doesn’t change (anything). These are very much part of India.”
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The Chenab Times News Desk
