Arunachal Chief Minister Rejects China’s Claim, Says “This Is Not 1962”
CM rejects China’s claim and asserts India’s sovereignty over Arunachal.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has dismissed China’s repeated territorial claims over the state, saying such assertions hold little relevance today as the region focuses on development and infrastructure growth. His remarks came on the sidelines of the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Shillong.
Responding to Beijing’s latest reiteration of its claim over Arunachal Pradesh—referred to by China as “Zangnan” or South Tibet—Khandu said the state has long stopped treating such statements as significant. He noted that China has, over the years, issued maps and renamed various locations within Arunachal Pradesh, including villages, rivers and mountain passes, but India has consistently rejected these claims.
Khandu emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh’s priorities now lie in development rather than geopolitical disputes. He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, border connectivity and hydropower projects, saying these initiatives are reshaping the state’s economic and strategic landscape. According to him, the focus of governance has shifted firmly toward improving connectivity and livelihoods in remote and border areas.
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Delivering a sharp response to China’s position, the chief minister said, “This is not 1962 anymore,” underscoring that the historical context of the India-China conflict no longer defines the present situation on the ground. He added that such claims do not affect governance or development priorities in the state.
Reiterating Arunachal Pradesh’s long-standing stance, Khandu stated that the state does not share a border with China, but rather with Tibet, reinforcing India’s position on the territorial dispute. His comments reflect the continued diplomatic disagreement between India and China over the status of Arunachal Pradesh, which remains a sensitive issue in bilateral relations.
Despite periodic objections from Beijing, Indian officials have consistently maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country. The chief minister’s remarks align with this position, while also signalling a stronger emphasis on development and infrastructure expansion in the frontier state amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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