India and China are the world’s two most populous states, and they have been known for their long-standing boundary conflicts. Arunachal Pradesh which is in the northeastern part of India is the most controversial area in terms of border disputes between the countries. This state has been claimed by both China and referred to as “Zangnan” or “Southern Tibet” (by China). Recently, this matter has come to a head after China decided to change the names of about thirty places in Arunachal Pradesh making India think about renaming places in Tibet that are under China’s control in retaliation. This action is intended to oppose the influential impact of China
Background of the Dispute
The border dispute between India and China has its roots in the differing perceptions of the boundary line, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The disagreement dates back to the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which ended with an uneasy truce but no clear resolution of the border issues. Over the decades, both nations have maintained their claims over various regions along the LAC, leading to periodic skirmishes and diplomatic standoffs.
Arunachal Pradesh, a state in northeastern India, is a significant part of this dispute. China claims this region as part of its territory, calling it “Zangnan” or “southern Tibet.” This claim is based on historical ties between the region and Tibet, which China annexed in the 1950s. India, however, asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and rejects China’s claims.
Recent Developments: China’s Renaming Campaign
In March 2024, China released a list of standardized geographical names for 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh. This was the fourth such list, following earlier renaming efforts in 2017, 2021, and 2023. The list included names for 11 residential areas, 12 mountains, four rivers, one lake, one mountain pass, and a piece of land. The names were given in Chinese characters, Tibetan, and pinyin, the Roman alphabet version of Mandarin Chinese.
China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, responsible for this renaming campaign, stated that the initiative was in accordance with state regulations on geographical names. Beijing’s move was seen as an attempt to strengthen its territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh by standardizing place names according to Chinese norms.
India’s Response: A Counter-Renaming Strategy
In response to China’s renaming campaign, India is planning to rename several places in Chinese-controlled Tibet. This move is designed to challenge China’s claims and assert India’s own historical and cultural ties to the region. The renaming initiative is backed by extensive historical research conducted by Indian military sources and research institutes like the Asiatic Society.
Former Intelligence Bureau officer Benu Ghosh, who has followed the India-China border issue for decades, noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is likely to authorize the renaming of Tibetan places to reinforce his strongman image. This move is expected to be announced after the new government takes office following the recent national elections.
Significance of Renaming Places
Renaming places is more than just a symbolic act; it is a strategic move in the geopolitical narrative. By renaming places, a country asserts its historical, cultural, and political claims over a disputed territory. This tactic aims to influence both domestic and international perceptions and can serve as a form of soft power.
For China, renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh is a way to reinforce its claim over the region and present it as an undisputed part of Chinese territory. For India, counter-renaming places in Tibet is a way to challenge China’s claims and assert its own historical ties to the region. This tit-for-tat renaming campaign highlights the ongoing struggle for influence and control over disputed territories.
Historical Context and Research
The Indian Army’s information warfare division has played a crucial role in India’s renaming strategy. This division has conducted extensive research, uncovering historical records and ancient names of places in Tibet. These efforts are supported by prestigious research institutes, ensuring that the new names have a strong historical basis.
The goal is to debunk China’s renaming efforts and present a counter-narrative based on historical evidence. By doing so, India aims to challenge China’s cartographical and nomenclature aggression and reassert its own claims over the disputed regions.
Media and Public Campaigns
India’s renaming initiative will be part of a broader media and public campaign to challenge China’s territorial claims. The Indian Army has organized media trips to disputed border areas, allowing journalists to speak with local residents who oppose Chinese claims and assert their Indian identity. These efforts aim to build a strong counter-narrative and garner international support for India’s position.
The new names for places in Tibet will be publicized through various media channels, emphasizing their historical significance and India’s cultural ties to the region. This campaign is designed to influence global perceptions and strengthen India’s territorial claims.
Impact on India-China Relations
The renaming campaign is likely to strain further India-China relations, which have already been tense due to the ongoing border dispute. Both nations have taken diplomatic and military measures to assert their claims, and this tit-for-tat renaming effort could further escalate tensions.
However, the renaming initiative also highlights the importance of soft power in geopolitical disputes. By focusing on historical and cultural narratives, both India and China are trying to shape international perceptions and strengthen their positions. This strategy underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of territorial disputes, where symbolic and narrative-driven efforts complement military and diplomatic actions.
The renaming of places in disputed territories is a significant aspect of the India-China border dispute. China’s recent renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh has prompted India to consider renaming places in Chinese-controlled Tibet. This tit-for-tat renaming campaign is a strategic move by both nations to assert their territorial claims and shape international perceptions.
The historical context and extensive research behind India’s renaming initiative underscore the importance of cultural and historical narratives in geopolitical disputes. By publicizing these new names through media campaigns, India aims to challenge China’s territorial claims and reassert its position.
As India and China continue to engage in this symbolic battle, the renaming of places will remain a crucial element of their broader strategies to control and influence disputed regions. The outcome of this campaign will likely have significant implications for the future of India-China relations and the ongoing border dispute.
