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In a significant escalation of tensions between India and China, the Indian government has lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels against China's establishment of two new counties in the disputed Aksai Chin region. This move by China has been seen as a provocative step, especially as it comes on the heels of resumed boundary negotiations between the two nations. The creation of He'an and Hekang counties in the Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang has raised concerns in India, as parts of these counties fall within the Union Territory of Ladakh, which India claims as its own.
The Aksai Chin region has been a longstanding point of contention between India and China. The area, which is approximately 38,000 square kilometers, has been under Chinese control since the early 1960s. India has consistently maintained that Aksai Chin is part of its territory, while China asserts it as part of its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The dispute is part of a broader border conflict that includes other regions such as Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as "South Tibet."
On December 27, 2024, China's state media announced the establishment of He'an and Hekang counties, with Hongliu and Xeyidula townships designated as their respective county seats. This move was approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. The counties are administered by the Hotan Prefecture, further solidifying China's administrative presence in the region.
The Indian government has strongly objected to this development, emphasizing that the creation of these counties does not alter India's stance on its sovereignty over the disputed territory. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated, "We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area. The creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same." India has lodged a solemn protest with China through diplomatic channels.
The announcement of the new counties came shortly after the Special Representatives of India and China, Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, met in Beijing on December 18, 2024, to resume boundary negotiations that had been stalled for nearly five years. This meeting aimed to manage peace and tranquility along the border and explore mutually acceptable solutions to the boundary dispute.
However, the establishment of the new counties has complicated these efforts. India has explicitly rejected China's claims regarding a "six-point consensus" on the boundary issue, emphasizing that any consensus must respect India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
China's infrastructure development in the Aksai Chin region, including the establishment of new administrative units, is seen as a strategic move to consolidate its control over the disputed territory. India, on the other hand, has been focusing on improving its own infrastructure in border regions to enhance economic development and meet strategic and security requirements.
In addition to the border dispute, India has also expressed concerns over China's plan to build a massive hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet. The project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, has raised apprehensions about its potential impact on the ecological balance of downstream regions in India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
India has urged China to ensure transparency and consultation with downstream countries to prevent any adverse effects on the environment and water usage rights. Despite China's assurances that the project will not negatively affect lower reaches, India continues to monitor the situation closely.
The establishment of new counties in Aksai Chin by China has added another layer of complexity to the already strained India-China relations. India's strong protest reflects its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. As both nations navigate these challenges, maintaining peace and tranquility along the border remains a priority, while diplomatic efforts continue to address the longstanding boundary disputes.
