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Introduction

The reported detention of an Arunachal Pradesh resident by Chinese authorities once again underscores the unresolved nature of the India–China boundary. China’s refusal to recognise Arunachal as an integral part of India reflects deeper strategic, historical and political drivers that continue to strain bilateral relations.

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Motivations Behind China’s Continued Claims

• Tibet-Tawang Connection: China claims Tawang is part of “South Tibet” to control the Dalai Lama’s succession, given the monastery’s historical significance.
  Eg: According to China’s policy, The 6th Dalai Lama’s birth in Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) legitimizes Beijing’s territorial claims.
• Salami Slicing Tactics: Beijing uses incremental actions like renaming places to create a “legal” basis for its claims without engaging in full-scale war.
  Eg: China releasing a “standardised” list of 11 renamed geographical locations in Arunachal Pradesh in 2023.
• Psychological Warfare: Denying visas or questioning passports of Arunachal residents aims to demoralize locals and normalize the dispute internationally.
  Eg: China’s past practice of issuing “stapled visas” to athletes and residents from the state.
• Strategic Dominance: Controlling the high-altitude distincts of Arunachal would provide the PLA a strategic vantage point over the Brahmaputra plains.
  Eg: China’s infrastructure buildup near the LAC is driven by the desire for tactical military superiority.
• Domestic nationalist politics: Asserting claims over Arunachal appeals to nationalist sentiment and consolidates domestic political support.

How Should India Respond?

• Diplomatic Reciprocity: India must consistently issue strong demarches and potentially question the “One China” policy regarding Tibet in retaliation.
• Border Infrastructure: Accelerate connectivity projects to ensure rapid troop mobilization and prevent out-migration from border villages.
  Eg: The “Vibrant Villages Programme” launched in Kibithoo to comprehensively develop 455 border villages in Arunachal.
• Military Reinforcement Operationalize all-weather access tunnels and forward bases to counter PLA’s mobilization capabilities effectively.
  Eg: The strategic importance of the Sela Tunnel for maintaining year-round connectivity to Tawang.
• International Partnerships Leverage global alliances to gain diplomatic recognition of the border, countering China’s narrative on multilateral forums.
  Eg: The US Senate resolution explicitly recognizing the McMahon Line as the international boundary.
• Public outreach: Inform citizens of Arunachal about security protocols and ensure their safety while travelling near disputed zones.

Conclusion

India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh is non-negotiable. China’s provocations over Arunachal Pradesh reflect strategic posturing, but India’s calibrated mix of diplomacy, infrastructure, and global alliances can ensure sovereignty remains unquestioned while fostering confidence among border communities and strengthening national security imperatives.

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