Calling China’s Bluff

Context:

India’s response to China's attempts to rename geographical entities in Arunachal Pradesh and India's stance on the South China Sea dispute is an assurance for Manila and a warning for Beijing.

China's Renaming Efforts:

• Geographical Renaming: China initiated a series of efforts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, termed as "Zangnan" by China, starting in 2017 and continuing with additional renamings in subsequent years.
• Strategic Intent: China's renaming tactics reflect its long-term strategy of asserting territorial claims and using historical narratives as a tool for expansion and influence.
• Historical Claims: China's historical assertions, such as invoking figures like Zheng He and claiming ancestral graves in Arunachal Pradesh, demonstrate its utilization of history to justify territorial ambitions and influence public perception.

India's Response and Diplomatic Stand:

• Dismissal of Renaming Attempts: India firmly rejected China's renaming attempts in Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing India's sovereignty over the region.
• Strategic Diplomacy: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent visit to the Philippines signalled a departure from India's traditional non-interventionist stance by expressing support for the Philippines in the South China Sea dispute.
• Rules-Based Order Advocacy: India reiterated its commitment to a rules-based international order and adherence to UNCLOS 1982, calling on China to respect the 2016 Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating its claims in the South China Sea.

China's Response and India's Position:

• Chinese Reaction: China responded predictably to India's stance, accusing India of seeking to embroil other nations in conflicts with China and warning of negative consequences for India-China relations.
• India's Responsible Role: India reiterated its commitment to peace, stability, and credibility in international relations, emphasizing adherence to a rules-based order and advocating for diplomatic resolutions to disputes.
• Mutual Expectations: India seeks similar commitments from China, as evidenced by recent communications between Indian and Chinese leadership, emphasizing the importance of peace, stability, and adherence to international norms.