The recent introduction of a rare resolution in the United States (US)Senate, condemning China’s aggression at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, has brought attention to the long-standing border dispute between the two countries.
The resolution reaffirms that the state of Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral part of India”, supports India’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity”, condemns China for the “use of military force” to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its other provocations, and lauds the government of India for the steps it has taken to “defend itself” against the “aggression and security threats” from China.
The resolution was on THursday introduced by Jeff Markley and Bill Haggerty and co-sponsored by John Cornyn.
Arunachal Pradesh, a northeastern state in India, has been a point of contention between India and China for decades. China claims the area as part of its territory, referring to it as “South Tibet,” while India maintains that it is an integral part of its sovereign territory. The two countries fought a brief war over the region in 1962, but the border dispute remains unresolved.
China’s recent actions along the LAC have added to tensions between the two countries. In 2020, Chinese troops crossed into Indian territory in the Galwan Valley, resulting in a violent clash that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The incident led to a months-long standoff between the two countries, with both sides deploying additional troops to the area.
The US Senate resolution is significant for several reasons. First, it reaffirms the longstanding US position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. This is important given China’s continued claims to the region and its attempts to change the status quo on the ground. By declaring its support for India’s sovereignty over the region, the US is sending a clear message to China that its attempts to alter the border are unacceptable.
Second, the resolution condemns China’s aggression at the LAC and calls on the Chinese government to “de-escalate tensions” with India. This is important given the potential for the border dispute to escalate into a larger conflict. By calling on China to de-escalate, the US is signaling its desire for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The resolution demonstrates the growing importance of India in US foreign policy. By introducing a resolution supporting India’s territorial integrity and condemning China’s aggression, the US is signaling its support for India and its commitment to the region.
