China Slams India's Move to Name 28 Ladakh Features
Beijing calls India's decision to standardise names of 28 strategic locations in Ladakh 'illegal' as New Delhi asserts its territorial sovereignty.
In a fresh escalation of cartographic tension, Beijing has launched a verbal attack against India following New Delhi's decision to standardise the names of 28 strategic geographical features in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has labelled the Indian government's move as "illegal and invalid," attempting to challenge India's long-standing sovereignty over the region.
The Mapping Initiative
The Ministry of Home Affairs recently announced that, in consultation with the administration of Ladakh, the Central Government has formally identified and standardised the names of various peaks, passes, land areas, and water bodies. These names are to be officially included in the Survey of India (SoI) maps.
According to the Ministry, this initiative is designed to ensure accurate recognition and to foster better awareness among the general public regarding the specific nomenclature of these vital locations. By formalising these names, India aims to provide administrative clarity and reinforce its territorial records.
Beijing's Reaction
Responding to the announcement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning issued a sharp rebuttal, as reported by the Global Times. Beijing has refused to recognise the status of Ladakh as a Union Territory, claiming the establishment of the UT was a unilateral and illegal act by India.
"The move is illegal and invalid and cannot change the fact that the relevant areas in the western sector of the China-India boundary have always belonged to China," Mao Ning stated, echoing Beijing's persistent claims over disputed territories.
India's Unwavering Stance
India has remained steadfast in its position, dismissing Beijing's rhetoric as politically motivated propaganda. The Indian government has repeatedly asserted that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, a reality that no amount of external protest can alter.
The 28 Identified Locations
The standardised list includes a wide array of critical geographical landmarks that are essential for the region's administrative and strategic mapping:
- Peaks & Mountains: Atisha Giri, Kanishka Peak, Karun Pir, Martand Giri, Drak Karpo, Jolmori, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Marpa Lotsava Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri, Zorawar Peak, and Maheshvara Ri.
- Passes & Glaciers: Chapchingal Pass, Shachmirk Pass, Parpik Glacier, and Skamri Glacier.
- Land Areas: Brangsa Land, Kuksel, Dehra Compass, Gogra, Kumarayana Point, Panglung, and Shamal Lungpa.
- Valleys & Water Bodies: Shkorga Valley, Guru Rinpoche Lake, Yangpa River, and Hot Spring.
By integrating these specific names into the official Survey of India maps, New Delhi has effectively strengthened its territorial transparency, making a decisive statement on its geographical jurisdiction in the face of ongoing border disputes.