The Hindu: Published on 4th Jan 2025:
Why in News?
China announced the formation of two new counties, He’an and Hekang, in the Hotan prefecture of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which includes parts of India’s Ladakh territory, particularly Aksai Chin.
The announcement of a mega hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) near the Indian border added to tensions.
Concerns Conveyed:
Territorial Integrity: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected China’s actions, emphasizing that the new counties will not alter India’s sovereignty claims over the region.
Illegal Occupation: The Indian government reiterated its stand against China’s "illegal occupation" of Ladakh territory.
Water Security: Concerns were raised about the construction of a $137 billion dam on Yarlung Tsangpo. India fears adverse impacts on downstream water flows into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Lack of Transparency: India criticized China for not informing it of the dam project through official channels, as required under international river-sharing norms.
India-China Meet:
The announcement comes soon after the December 18, 2024, meeting between India’s NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The meeting aimed to resolve border tensions following the Galwan clashes of 2020.
Despite discussions on restoring normalcy along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China’s recent moves indicate its intent to consolidate territorial claims.
Galwan Clashes:
- The Galwan clashes of June 2020 marked a turning point in India-China relations, with 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops losing their lives.
- The current developments underscore the fragile and unresolved nature of the border issue, as China continues to fortify its position in disputed regions.
World’s Largest Dam:
China’s dam project on the Yarlung Tsangpo is designed to surpass the Three Gorges Dam as the world’s largest hydropower infrastructure.
This raises strategic concerns for India, including potential water diversion or control over river flows, which could impact India’s water security.
India has sought transparency and consultations on transboundary rivers, emphasizing the need to protect downstream riparian rights.
Conclusion:
- The formation of new counties and the mega dam project are perceived as part of China’s strategy to assert dominance over contested territories and resources.
- India’s "solemn protest" reflects a firm stance on sovereignty and regional stability, but the events underline the need for continued diplomatic engagement and preparedness.
- The developments also spotlight the importance of international frameworks for transboundary river management to prevent unilateral actions that could escalate regional tensions.
