Setback for India! China Rename 27 Places in Arunachal Pradesh

In a significant diplomatic development, China has once again attempted to assert its claim over Arunachal Pradesh by renaming 27 locations in the Indian state. This is the fifth such attempt by Beijing to change the geopolitical narrative through unilateral actions. India, however, has responded strongly, rejecting the move and reaffirming that Arunachal Pradesh is and will remain an inseparable part of the country.

• China renames 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh, including rivers, mountains, passes, and villages.

• The renamed locations are listed under China’s claim of “Zangnan” (Southern Tibet).

• India rejects the move, calling it “absurd and baseless.”

• This is China’s fifth such renaming attempt since 2017.

• Political leaders in India urge stronger diplomatic action and global awareness.

• Experts say such moves are a part of China’s salami-slicing tactics in disputed territories.

The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs released a new list of standardized names for 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as "Zangnan." This list includes:

• 15 mountains

• 2 rivers

• 5 residential areas (villages or settlements)

• 1 lake

• 4 mountain passes

This is not the first time China has renamed places in Arunachal Pradesh. Similar exercises were carried out in 2017, 2021, 2023, and 2024 to reinforce China’s territorial claims.

China claims the state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet, historically known as "Zangnan." According to Chinese officials:

“These standardized names are part of our effort to standardize the geographic names in accordance with our law and administrative divisions.”

From Beijing’s point of view, the renaming is merely an “internal matter,” and they argue that these places are on Chinese territory. However, the international community and India have not recognized these claims.

India was quick to reject China’s move. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded with a powerful statement:

“We have seen such attempts by China in the past. Assigning invented names does not alter the fact that Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral part of India.”

India has consistently maintained that these actions are politically motivated and aimed at artificially inflating territorial claims.

“Creative renaming is not going to change ground realities. Arunachal Pradesh is Indian territory — end of story.”

“The people of Arunachal Pradesh are Indians, by heart and by culture. China cannot erase our identity with some renaming exercise.”

“This is part of a larger design by China. India must raise this issue at the United Nations and other global forums.”

China’s frequent renaming of Arunachal Pradesh locations is viewed as part of its “salami-slicing” strategy — gradually nibbling away at claimed territory without triggering an all-out war.

Strategic Reasons:

• Create psychological pressure on India

• Justify future claims on disputed land

• Influence global perception by standardizing maps and names

• Build a narrative ahead of diplomatic talks

Experts also say this could be a response to:

• Recent Indian infrastructure development in border areas

• India’s growing ties with the United States and the Quad nations

• India’s clear stance on rejecting China’s Belt and Road Initiative

While the Chinese government has not released an English translation of the renamed places, sources say the areas include:

• Key mountain peaks near Tawang and Anjaw districts

• Strategic river points near the LAC (Line of Actual Control)

• Important mountain passes, often used in ancient trade routes

• Villages inhabited by indigenous tribes, like the Monpas and Mishmis

The India-China border dispute has been ongoing for decades. China claims around 90,000 sq km of territory in Arunachal Pradesh. India, on the other hand, asserts that the McMahon Line — drawn in 1914 — clearly defines the boundary.

Although most countries do not comment on bilateral territorial issues, there is growing global concern over China's aggressive tactics.

• U.S. State Department: “We support India's sovereignty and reject any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo.”

• EU Commission: “Such renaming acts have no standing under international law.”

• Think tanks like CSIS and Carnegie have warned of rising China-India tensions in the Himalayas.

China’s attempt to rename 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh is part of a larger geopolitical game. But India’s stance remains clear and firm. The people of Arunachal Pradesh proudly identify as Indian citizens, and the government has responded with strength and clarity.