GUWAHATI: In a move that has stirred tensions and sparked international debate, China unveiled its latest "standard map" for the year 2023. This edition of the map notably includes Arunachal Pradesh as well as the Aksai Chin region, Taiwan, and the disputed South China Sea.
The release of this map has further exacerbated territorial disputes and diplomatic disagreements between China and neighbouring countries, including India. While China asserts its sovereignty over various regions, India has reiterated its firm stance that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory.
The map presented by China's state-backed newspaper, Global Times, explicitly shows Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of its territory. These areas have been at the centre of historical tensions between India and China, with the latter occupying Aksai Chin following the 1962 conflict.
India, in response, has consistently conveyed to China that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its nation and that it will steadfastly uphold its territorial integrity.