The United States, by referring to Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, has drawn criticism from China, which has urged India to maintain peace. The Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times, while condemning the U.S. statement, has surprisingly appealed for peace with India, recognizing the importance of stability in the border regions and global south.
Key points highlighted in the article include
- U.S. Statement on Arunachal Pradesh: The U.S. Department of State recently made a statement acknowledging Arunachal Pradesh as part of India and expressing opposition to any attempts to alter the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through military or civilian efforts. This statement has sparked a reaction from China.
- China’s Reaction: The Chinese government’s mouthpiece, Global Times, has criticized the U.S. stance but surprisingly appealed for peace with India, highlighting the significance of stability in border areas.
- Shift in China’s Approach: The Global Times’ change in tone raises questions about whether China’s policy towards Arunachal Pradesh is evolving. Traditionally, China has claimed Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet and objected to any Indian leaders’ visits to the region. However, the Global Times’ appeal for peace suggests a potential shift in China’s approach.
- India’s Response: The article suggests that India has recently raised the issue of the China-India border amid elections, emphasizing the importance of the region for political reasons. The Global Times views the U.S. statement as potentially undermining peace efforts and escalating tensions along the border.
- Appeal for Peace: Despite the geopolitical tensions, the Global Times appeals for peace between China and India, recognizing the shared interests of both countries and the need for stability in the region. It emphasizes the importance of resolving border disputes through peaceful means and calls for restraint from both sides.
In summary, while the U.S. statement on Arunachal Pradesh has stirred controversy between the U.S. and China, China’s surprising appeal for peace with India reflects a potential shift in its approach towards border issues, signaling a cautious optimism for improved relations between the two Asian giants.