Beijing, October 13: China has strongly opposed India’s decision to assign standardised names to 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh, reiterating its territorial claims over the region.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday that Beijing did not recognise the Union Territory of Ladakh, which she described as having been established unilaterally by India.
Responding to questions about India’s move, Mao said China “firmly opposes India’s announcement of so-called standard names”, arguing that the decision could not alter what Beijing claims to be its territory.
She further described the move as “illegal and invalid”, maintaining that the areas concerned in the western sector of the China-India boundary belonged to China.
On October 2, India formally identified 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh, including key border friction points such as Gogra and Hot Spring along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The initiative, undertaken by the Union Government in consultation with the Ladakh administration, aims to standardise official maps, improve the identification of geographical features and enhance public awareness of the strategically sensitive border region.
Gogra and Hot Spring were among the locations that witnessed tensions during the 2020 military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces. Both areas are also significant for patrolling activities along the LAC.
The eastern Ladakh standoff began on May 5, 2020, following a violent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops near Pangong Lake. The two sides subsequently initiated disengagement measures in 2022.
Besides Gogra and Hot Spring, India’s list includes several mountain peaks, glaciers, passes, valleys and other geographical features. These include Alisha Giri, Brangsa, Chapchingal Pass, Kanishka Peak, Karun Pir Mountain, Kuksel, Martand Giri, Parpik Glacier, Skamri Glacier, Shachmirik Pass, Shkorga Valley and Zorawar Peak.
Other locations named in the list include Dehra Compass, Drak Karpo, Jolmori, Kumarayana Point, Panglung, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Guru Rinpoche, Shamal Lungpa, Yangpa River, Marpa Lotsava Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri and Maheshwara Ri.
The latest exchange of statements highlights the continuing differences between India and China over territorial claims and the boundary dispute in eastern Ladakh, d
