Chinese shenanigans on Arunachal Pradesh

Source– The post is based on the article “Chinese shenanigans on Arunachal Pradesh” Published in The Hindu on 18th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral groupings and agreements

Relevance: India and China bilateral relations

News- Recently, China renamed 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh.

What are other examples of renaming of places in aline territories by China?

China also named several under-sea features in the Indian Ocean, using the names of Chinese musical instruments.

In 2017, China had ‘renamed’ six places that lie in Arunachal Pradesh. It had also ‘standardised’ the names of 15 places in 2021.

In 2020, China gave names to 80 geographical features in the Paracels and Spratlys in the South China Sea. In 1983, it had named 287 geographical features in the South China Sea.

It began using the term “Diaoyutai” for the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea in the 1950s, even before raking up the Senkaku issue with Japan.

What are the reasons behind the renaming exercise by China?

The Chinese modus operandi is to lay the groundwork through fictional renaming of alien territories. It uses them as a basis for “historical” claims. These are then pursued using the “three warfares” strategy — of waging propaganda, psychological and legal warfare.

What are measures taken by China in recent times that can deteriorate relations with India?

China enacted a new Coast Guard Law to take necessary measures, including the use of force, to safeguard “sovereignty”.

China also passed a new law on the protection and exploitation of the country’s land border areas. This can convert the boundary dispute with India into a sovereignty issue.

From 2017 onwards, China launched the construction of dual-purpose villages in areas adjacent to the border with India, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. These are called Xiaokang villages.

Why is China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh bogus?

Qing presence in Tibet began to emerge around 1720, after Chinese intervention in the internecine succession struggle following the death of the Sixth Dalai Lama.

There is absolutely no basis to the Chinese claim over Tawang on the grounds that it is the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama. China had no locus standi in Tibet at the time.

Why are the basis of India’s historical claim on Arunachal pradesh strong?

Arunachal Pradesh is home to various tribes. They have historically been a part of India’s civilisational heritage.

Most of its populace has been historically oriented towards the Assam plains. The tribes there were in regular contact with the Ahom power in Assam.

Some tribes such as the Monpas, have professed Buddhism. Others follow animistic practices. Some tribes practise a form of Vaishnavism.

The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Kalika Purana, the Vishnu Purana, the Yogini Purana, and Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsa have references that give a clear indication of the inclusion of these tribal tracts in the collective consciousness and cultural moorings of ancient India.

These sources have indications about the boundaries of the kingdoms of Pragjyotisha and Kamarupa. Their limits appeared to include the whole of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Shiva Linga in Ziro, Parshuram Kund, and the temple ruins of Malinithan show an ancient Hindu influence in the region. Some Mishmi tribes consider themselves to be the descendants of King Bhishmaka. Some Aka tribes claim their descent from King Bhaluka.

Archaeological finds have unearthed silver coins and inscriptions in the Arabic script at Bhalukpong. These are linked to a Muslim ruler of Bengal.

The architecture of forts like Bhalukpong, Ita and Bhismaknaga is heavily influenced by the architectural principles of fort construction found in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and Arthashastra.