14 May 2025
China’s latest move to assign new names to 27 locations in India’s Arunachal Pradesh, a state Beijing claims as “Zangnan” or part of South Tibet, has drawn sharp rebuke from New Delhi.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the action as “vain and preposterous,” asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India.”
This marks the fifth instance since 2017 that China has attempted to rename places in the state, with previous lists issued in 2017 (six places), 2021 (15 places), 2023 (11 places), and 2024 (30 places). The timing of this move, coinciding with fragile India-Pakistan relations, raises questions about Beijing’s strategic intent and its implications for regional stability.
A Pattern of Cartographic Assertion
China’s renaming efforts are part of a broader strategy often described as “cartographic aggression.” By assigning Chinese names to towns, villages, and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh, Beijing seeks to reinforce its claim over the region, which it considers part of historical Tibet.
This tactic is not unique to India; China has employed similar renaming strategies in disputed territories like the Senkaku Islands (claimed by Japan) and the South China Sea.
The MEA’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that such actions do not alter the reality of Arunachal Pradesh’s status as Indian territory, a sentiment echoed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who remarked, “If I change the name of your house, will it become mine?”
The timing of this latest renaming list is particularly significant.
India and China are engaged in delicate efforts to rebuild ties following a deadly 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley, which killed 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers, marking the lowest point in bilateral relations in decades.
Recent confidence-building measures, such as the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and ongoing talks to resolve border disputes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), suggest a cautious thaw. Yet, China’s decision to release new names now risks derailing these efforts, signaling a reluctance to fully de-escalate.
The Pakistan Factor
The renaming move also coincides with a period of heightened tension between India and Pakistan, particularly following reports of India’s military actions against alleged terror bases in Pakistan and US President Donald Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire.
China’s reported upgrades to six airbases near the Indian border in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, alongside its support for Pakistan in the wake of the Pehalgam terror attack, further fuel speculation of a broader geopolitical play.
This alignment is not new.
China has historically supported Pakistan, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project.
However, India’s growing global influence and economic ties with China complicate this dynamic. Some analysts argue that Beijing’s actions in Arunachal Pradesh may be a calculated move to pressure India on multiple fronts while avoiding direct confrontation, leveraging Pakistan’s tensions to keep New Delhi off balance.
Strategic Implications
China’s renaming campaign is more than symbolic.
It is part of a multifaceted approach to assert territorial claims, including issuing stapled visas to Arunachal residents and opposing Indian infrastructure projects in the region.
The proposed Chinese hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangbo River, which flows into Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, has raised concerns about potential flash floods or water scarcity downstream, further complicating bilateral relations. India’s counter-project, the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, reflects New Delhi’s determination to protect its interests, but local resistance in Arunachal Pradesh highlights the domestic challenges of such initiatives.
Critics of China’s strategy argue that it risks escalating tensions at a time when both nations could benefit from cooperation. The LAC dispute, rooted in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, remains a flashpoint, with unresolved issues in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. By doubling down on territorial claims, China may be testing India’s resolve while signaling to its domestic audience and regional allies its unwavering stance on sovereignty.
India’s Response and Regional Dynamics
India’s firm rejection of China’s renaming reflects a broader shift in its foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has prioritized asserting sovereignty in the face of Chinese provocations.
The Tibetan government-in-exile’s plan to issue a historical map of Tibet to counter China’s “cartographic aggression” adds another layer of complexity, potentially aligning India more closely with Tibetan aspirations.
The broader regional context cannot be ignored.
China’s actions come amid its own domestic pressures and a complex relationship with the United States, which has deepened ties with India through frameworks like the Quad. Beijing’s assertiveness may also be a response to India’s growing influence in global forums, where New Delhi has positioned itself as a counterweight to China
Looking Ahead
China’s renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh is unlikely to alter the ground reality, as India maintains administrative control over the state.
However, it reveals the fragility of India-China relations and the potential for escalation in an already volatile region. The coincidence with strained India-Pakistan dynamics suggests a strategic calculus that could complicate efforts to restore stability along the LAC.
For now, India’s robust response signals its unwillingness to cede ground, literally or figuratively.
Yet, both nations face a choice: escalate tensions through symbolic and strategic posturing or prioritize dialogue to prevent further deterioration. As the world’s two most populous nations navigate this delicate dance, the stakes for regional peace and global stability remain high.
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