India has voiced strong opposition to Chinese road construction activities in the Shaksgam Valley, a contested region in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, underscoring ongoing tensions between the two nations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 2, confirmed its protest against what it calls China’s attempts to “alter facts on the ground” in territory it considers its own.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the historical contention surrounding the area. “The Shaksgam Valley is a part of the territory of India,” Jaiswal stated, referencing the disputed China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963, which India has never recognized. The agreement saw Pakistan ceding the area to China, a move India has consistently rejected .
The strategic significance of the area has been brought into sharper focus by recent satellite imagery reported by the European Space Agency. These images suggest that Chinese construction has reached within 30 miles of the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield and a crucial point for Indian defense strategies, according to the WION news.
This development follows the tense 2020 standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, emphasizing the critical nature of the region. The construction also comes amidst reports of a Chinese military build-up along the Line of Actual Control, particularly in eastern Ladakh, which poses a direct challenge to Indian positions.
India has made it clear that it reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its interests, as tensions over border disputes with China continue to simmer. The MEA’s firm stance on Shaksgam reflects New Delhi’s broader strategic concerns about Chinese influence in regions critical to India’s national security.
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The ongoing developments have not only geopolitical implications but also underline the intricate web of territorial claims and military interests in the region. As both countries continue to assert their positions, the international community watches closely, aware of the delicate balance of power in this part of Asia.
This recent move by China in Shaksgam Valley is seen as an attempt to consolidate its presence in a region fraught with historical and political complexities. India, on its part, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and responding to any actions that might compromise its sovereignty over the disputed areas.
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