Beijing. China on Tuesday strongly opposed India's decision to standardize names of 28 strategic locations and geographical areas in Ladakh and claimed that these areas belong to it. “China has never recognized the so-called 'Union Territory of Ladakh' created unilaterally and illegally by India,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press conference here. She said China strongly opposes India's announcement of the so-called standardized names.
Why did China express strong protest?
Mao, spokeswoman for China's Foreign Ministry, was responding to a question regarding the announcement of names decided by India's Home Ministry for 28 places and geographical areas in Ladakh. “This move is illegal and invalid,” he said. This cannot change the fact that the areas concerned in the western sector of the India-China border have always belonged to China.
Beijing says changing or determining the name does not change the status of territorial sovereignty. India, on the other hand, has identified these places under its official mapping and administrative process.
Why are Gogra and Hot Springs so important?
The move, taken by the government in consultation with the Ladakh administration, aims to streamline official mapping, ensure accurate identification of locations and increase awareness among people about the sensitive border area. Gogra and Hot Springs are among the key strategic locations and were conflict areas during the standoff between Indian and Chinese armies in 2020.
These places are very important for Indian patrolling near the LAC. The border standoff in eastern Ladakh began on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Pangong Lake area. Both sides had started the process of withdrawing troops in 2022.
Which areas are included in these 28 strategic locations?
Other locations identified by India include Alisha Giri Mountain Peak, Brangsa, Chapchingal Pass, Kanishka Peak, Karun Pir Mountain, Kuksel, Martand Giri, Parpik Glacier, Skamri Glacier, Shachmirik Pass, Shakorga Valley, Zorawar Peak, Dehra Compass and Drak Karpo. The list also includes Jalamori, Kumarayan Point, Panglung, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Guru Rinpoche, Shamal Lungpa (a route used for patrolling and troop movement in the 1950s), Yangpa River, Marpa Lotsawa Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri and Maheshwar Ri.
What message did India give by naming 28 places?
India had formally identified 28 strategic locations and geographical feature areas in Ladakh on October 2. These also include key border dispute sites like Gogra and Hot Spring near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). These places are included in the official map of India. The government took this step in consultation with the Ladakh administration. Its purpose is to streamline official mapping, ensure accurate identification of locations, and raise awareness of border areas.