China Objects to Modi’s Arunachal Visit: Says India Can’t Develop Forcefully
China expressed opposition on Monday to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The neighboring country once again claimed Arunachal Pradesh as its territory. Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that tensions would increase along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) due to India’s actions.
Regarding the name of Arunachal Pradesh, Wang Wenbin stated, “This is China’s territory.” He emphasized that their government has never recognized Arunachal Pradesh, and they continue to oppose it today. He asserted that this region belongs to China and that India cannot do anything here according to its own wishes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that India’s actions could escalate disputes between the two countries along the border. They expressed opposition to Prime Minister Modi’s trip to this region. China insists on calling Arunachal Pradesh South Tibet and has renamed it accordingly.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel
On March 9, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet. This double-lane tunnel is the longest in the world at this altitude, spanning 1.5 kilometers along the China border.
This tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to the strategically located Tawang near the Chinese border. Its construction reduces the distance between the tunnel and the Chinese border by 10 kilometers.
The Sela Tunnel was designed by the Indian Army’s special branch, the Border Roads Organization (BRO). Its construction enhances India’s military capabilities and morale amid increasing tensions with China.
Why is the Sela Tunnel strategically important?
Security analyst Manoj Joshi explains that the Sela Tunnel is strategically important for its “Sela Pass” connectivity. This enables clear visibility of Chinese troops from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Chinese troops had infiltrated Tawang through this pass during the 1962 India-China war and later in December 2022.
China also claims its share over Aksai Chin and Ladakh beyond Arunachal Pradesh. Last year, on August 28, China released its administrative maps, showing its expansionist ambitions over Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, Taiwan, and the disputed South China Sea.
China has frequently changed many place names in Arunachal Pradesh.
Previously, in April 2023, China changed the names of 11 locations in its maps, marking the third such instance in five years. Earlier, in 2021, they changed 15 names, and in 2017, they changed six names.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that they have always rejected China’s absurd claims. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India and will remain so. Changing names does not alter reality.
