MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh "was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India," categorically dismissing China's renaming efforts. He further stated, "We have noticed that China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. We firmly reject such attempts."
China's Ministry of Civil Affairs had released a list of renamed locations in Arunachal Pradesh, referring to the region as "Zangnan," or the southern part of Tibet. This move is part of a series of similar actions by Beijing aimed at reinforcing its territorial claims over the area.
India's response underscores its consistent stance on the matter. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously remarked, "If I change the name of your house, will it become mine?" highlighting the futility of such renaming attempts.
The United States has also expressed strong opposition to China's actions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "The United States strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control." She reaffirmed the U.S. recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory.
China's renaming initiative is not unprecedented. In previous years, Beijing has released lists of renamed locations in Arunachal Pradesh, each time met with strong objections from India. The ongoing border dispute between the two nations has been a longstanding issue, with tensions escalating in recent years.