US slams China for trying to change status quo with India, says Arunachal is integral to India

Washington: The US has commented on China's claims on Arunachal Pradesh and the state is an integral part of India.

The resolution is introduced with the goal of enhancing the US-India strategic partnership and the Quad in support of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific. It pushes back the People's Republic of China's (PRC) claims that Arunachal Pradesh is PRC territory. It criticised the construction of villages in the contested areas, the publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and features in Arunachal, and the expansion of territorial claims in Bhutan.

Senator Bill Hagerty and Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the bipartisan Senate resolution in the Senate which confirmed that Washington sees Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India and recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and Arunachal Pradesh.

"At a time when China continues to pose grave and gathering threats to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, it is critical for the United States to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our strategic partners in the region, especially India," said Hargerty on Tuesday. He added that the bipartisan resolution expresses the Senate's support for unequivocally recognising the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. He also condemned China's military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control.

"America's values supporting freedom and a rules-based order must be at the centre of all of our actions and relationships around the world, especially as the PRC government pushes an alternative vision," said Senator Merkley. "This resolution makes clear that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India-not the People's Republic of China-and commits the US to deepen support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners and donors," he added.

The resolution also commended the Indian government for taking the steps to defend itself against security threats from China and credited India's telecommunications infrastructure, supply chains, investment screen standards, and expanding cooperation with Taiwan.