China objects to 28 Ladakh names; MEA reaffirms UT is an integral part of India

China has opposed India’s decision to assign official names to 28 strategic locations in Ladakh, claiming the areas belong to it, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said no Chinese objection could alter Ladakh’s status as an integral part of India.

What China said

The dispute followed the Centre’s announcement on October 2 identifying the locations on the Survey of India map, including Gogra and Hot Spring, two points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that saw tensions between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020.

“China has never recognised the so-called 'Union Territory of Ladakh' unilaterally and illegally established by India, and firmly opposes the so-called 'standardised names' publicised by India”, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing on Tuesday.

“This move by India is illegal and void and does not change the fact that the western sector of the China-India boundary belongs to China”, she said, responding to a question about India’s decision.

MEA defends official identification of locations

The MEA stated that the naming exercise was intended to help people identify the places accurately on official maps. “Identifying these places formally on the Survey of India map of UT of Ladakh is aimed at facilitating their accurate recognition and better awareness among the public at large,” the ministry said as quoted by NDTV.

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"It is reiterated that the UT of Ladakh is an integral and inalienable part of India. No amount of denial by the Chinese side can change this established fact," the MEA said.

List includes peaks, glaciers and mountain passes

The 28 locations include Alisha Giri, Brangsa, Chapchingal Pass, Kanishka Peak, Karun Pir mountain, Kuksel, Martand Giri, Parpik glacier, Skamri Glacier, Shachmirik Pass, Shkorga Valley, Zorawar Peak, Dehra Compass and Drak Karpo. The list also names Jolmori, Kumarayana Point, Panglung, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Guru Rinpoche, Shamal Lungpa, Yangpa River, Marpa Lotsava Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri and Maheshwara Ri.

Gogra, Hot Spring were 2020 friction points

Gogra and Hot Spring were among the friction points during the 2020 eastern Ladakh standoff. The confrontation began in May that year, followed by a deadly clash in Galwan Valley in June.

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The two countries began disengagement in 2022 after multiple rounds of military talks. India and China continue to contest claims along their roughly over 3,500 kilometre boundary, known as the LAC.

(With agency inputs)