Beijing, April 14: China on Tuesday said its policy to improve relations with India remains unchanged, even as tensions persist over its continued publication of new Chinese names for locations in Arunachal Pradesh.
India strongly rejected the move, calling China’s attempts to assign “fictitious names” to Indian territory unacceptable and asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said such actions cannot change ground realities and warned they could harm efforts to normalise bilateral relations. Responding to India’s objection, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s position that Arunachal Pradesh, referred to by China as “Zangnan,” is part of its territory.
He said China does not recognise the Indian state and maintains that naming places in the region falls within its sovereign rights. Beijing has released multiple batches of renamed locations in the area since 2017, a move India has consistently opposed.
Despite the dispute, China said overall bilateral relations with India remain stable and reiterated its commitment to improving ties. It urged both sides to work constructively and take steps that support healthy development of relations. The issue comes amid broader border tensions, including Chinese administrative actions in disputed regions. While both countries continue to express interest in stable relations, disagreements over territorial claims remain a key irritant. (PTI)
