Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday dismissed China's repeated assertions over the border state, declaring that Beijing's claims carry little weight for people on the ground. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Khandu said, "China claiming Arunachal Pradesh is not a new thing for us and we don't give a damn to it. We do not take it seriously."
China's Persistent Claims
Khandu's remarks came in response to queries about China's continued claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as "Zangnan" or South Tibet. The most recent assertion was made last month when China's state-run newspaper 'Global Daily' quoted Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying, "Zangnan is China's territory, and China has never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' illegally set up by India. It is entirely within China's sovereignty to standardize the names of some places in Zangnan region." Over the years, China has periodically released "standardised names," assigning Chinese names to mountains, rivers, settlements, and passes located within Arunachal Pradesh's geographical boundaries. India has routinely dismissed these actions.
Border with Tibet, Not China
The chief minister also reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh shares a border with Tibet, not China. "Arunachal Pradesh is very secure, and we do not share a border with China. We share a border with Tibet," Khandu said. He emphasized that the state's security situation is stable and that the local population remains unfazed by external claims.
Infrastructure Transformation Since 1962
Pointing to significant improvements in border infrastructure over the past decade, Khandu said comparisons with the 1962 situation (Chinese aggression) were misplaced. He noted that road connectivity, logistics, and military infrastructure have undergone substantial changes. "Infrastructure wise this is not 1962. This is 2026. This is the new India and a Viksit Bharat. Those who compare the infrastructure of that period (1962) are misleading now," he said.
Khandu added, "Nowadays, all our border areas, starting from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, I am referring specifically to all the northern borders, have seen significant advancements. Particularly over the last 12 years, the way PM Modi has given a massive push to infrastructure development in our border regions, which has made them highly accessible. The infrastructure supporting our armed forces has also been upgraded significantly and at a rapid pace."
The chief minister's statement underscores the growing confidence in India's border infrastructure and the resolve to counter any unfounded territorial claims. With enhanced connectivity and military preparedness, the region is better equipped than ever to safeguard its sovereignty.
