Editor-DN
New Delhi:
India has conveyed its objection and protest to China through diplomatic channels after the neighboring country established two counties, parts of which fall under the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said today.
China’s state media Xinhua reported on December 27 that the government of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region announced the establishment of two new counties in the region – Heian County and Heikang County.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council approved two new counties, which will be administered by Hotan Prefecture.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said parts of the “so-called counties” fall under Ladakh, and India has “never accepted illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area”.
“We have seen the announcement regarding the establishment of two new counties in China’s Hotan Prefecture. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall within the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh. Never accepted illegal occupation,” said Mr. Jaiswal.
“The creation of new counties will neither affect India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the territory nor legitimize China’s illegal and forcible occupation of it,” he said.
Chinese state media reported that Heian’s county seat is Hongliu Township, while Heikang’s county seat is Zedula Township.
Dam on the Brahmaputra
An MEA spokesperson said India has conveyed its views and concerns on China’s construction of a hydropower project on the Brahmaputra river.
Xinhua reported on December 25 that China is building a hydropower project on the Yarlong Tsangpu River in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Responding to the report, India said that as a riparian state with vested user rights over river waters, it has consistently expressed its views and concerns through expert level as well as diplomatic channels on mega-projects. What about the Chinese side? On rivers in your area.
“Following the latest report, they have been reiterated, along with the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries. The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the downstream Brahmaputra States’ interests should not be harmed by activities in the above areas.” Will continue to monitor and take necessary steps to protect our interests,” said Mr. Jaiswal.
