New Delhi [India]: China’s decision to establish two new counties in the Hotan prefecture, encompassing parts of Ladakh’s territory, has raised alarms among Indian officials. The move is viewed as a strategic attempt by Beijing to tighten its hold over the Aksai Chin region, an area of long-standing dispute between the two nations.
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva commented on the development, stating that China’s actions demonstrate an intention to consolidate its presence in the contested region. “China is increasing its hold in the Aksai Chin region. This is an administrative mechanism… In Hotan, there are already seven counties, and now two more have been created. They are making rearrangements in the Aksai Chin region, which is in their hold,” Sachdeva said in an interview with media.
He further noted that China’s actions signal a lack of interest in mending ties with India, instead opting to maintain and escalate the conflict. “China is in no mood to improve its relations with India. Their overall attitude is to keep this conflict frozen while gradually increasing their presence,” he added.
The creation of the new counties, He’an County and Hekang County, as reported by Chinese state media Xinhua last week, also holds strategic implications for India. One major concern revolves around China’s proposed dam project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Brahmaputra in India.
Sachdeva highlighted the potential risks of the dam project: “India is rightfully and highly concerned about this dam on the river Yarlung Tsangpo. This is a huge project with massive implications for the environment, the soil, and the water supply to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.” He emphasized that the dam could allow China to control the river’s flow, potentially impacting India’s water supply for drinking and irrigation.
“This dam is so big, it can cost USD 140 billion… It can create various problems for India. One is that China could control the flow of water, leading to reduced availability for drinking and irrigation. Another is that it might affect the underlying soil and terrain,” Sachdeva warned.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded strongly to China’s move during its weekly briefing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India’s Union Territory of Ladakh. We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area.”
Jaiswal reiterated India’s firm stance on sovereignty over the region, declaring that the establishment of new counties would not alter India’s position. “The creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation. We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels,” he said.