Beijing hits back at the US govt’s claim that China seeks to leverage reduced border tensions with India to improve bilateral relations and prevent further strengthening of Washington-New Delhi ties. Here’s what the Pentagon report says
In 2017, Dai Bingguo, China’s former border negotiator with India, suggested that if New Delhi ceded the strategically important Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh, it could help resolve the India-China boundary dispute. He also reportedly proposed a land swap, offering concessions in other areas like Aksai Chin — an idea that India rejected, reaffirming its sovereignty over all of Arunachal Pradesh.
While Dai’s comments aligned with Beijing’s usual narrative, China now appears to have hardened its stance, classifying Arunachal Pradesh alongside Taiwan and the South China Sea as “core interests”. These are territories that Beijing considers non-negotiable.
While Dai’s comments aligned with Beijing’s usual narrative, China now appears to have hardened its stance, classifying Arunachal Pradesh alongside Taiwan and the South China Sea as “core interests”. These are territories that Beijing considers non-negotiable.