New Delhi (Agency): Congress MLA Ninong Ering has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to address the issue of China’s new standard map at the forthcoming G20 Summit. The map, which was released a day earlier, includes Indian territories like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh as part of China. The G20 Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 9-10.
Ninong Ering, who represents the Pashighat-West seat in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the Chinese-controlled Tibet Autonomous Region, stated that the map release is a “deliberate incident” that has sparked deep resentment among the residents of Arunachal Pradesh. Ering pointed out that China’s actions are not new, citing previous instances when China renamed several locations in Arunachal Pradesh in April 2023, 2021, and 2017.
Ering also reminded Prime Minister Modi of the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops that occurred in 2020. “India is engaged in combat with an aggressive PRC (People’s Republic of China) along the Indo-Tibetan border,” Ering wrote. He mentioned that India had already lost 20 army personnel in the Galwan Valley defending its borders against Chinese forces.
Highlighting the importance of the issue, Ering wrote, “This release of the map was an attack on India’s sovereignty and integrity.” The MLA urged Modi to discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 Summit. He emphasized that this issue needs global attention and silence from India could be seen as “tacit approval” of the Chinese claims.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has also taken steps to address the situation. Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “We have today lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels with the Chinese side on the so-called 2023 ‘standard map’ of China that lays claim to India’s territory.” Bagchi added that such steps by China only make the resolution of the border question more complex.
This issue has once again put the spotlight on the sensitive and long-standing territorial disputes between India and China. With the G20 Summit around the corner, the situation calls for careful diplomatic handling to avoid further escalation and to find a solution that respects the sovereignty of both nations.