China Disputes passport of Woman Born in Disputed Arunachal Pradesh, Claims Region as Its Own
Beijing – China has rejected the passport application of a woman born in Arunachal Pradesh, a region claimed by China as part of its territory, sparking renewed tensions over the long-disputed border.The case,revealed by the woman herself,highlights Beijing’s firm stance on the region and its refusal to recognize Indian citizenship for those born within it.
The denial centers on the passport’s place of birth field, which the woman filled in as Arunachal pradesh. Chinese authorities deemed the document “invalid” due to this information, citing China’s claim over the area, known within China as Zangnan.This incident underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the border dispute and its impact on individuals living in the contested region,potentially complicating travel and international recognition for residents.
Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the issue during a press briefing, reiterating China’s position. ”Zangnan is Chinese territory. China has never recognised the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India,” she stated.
The disputed territory has been a source of friction between the two nations for decades, leading to a brief but intense border war in 1962. While both sides have engaged in numerous rounds of talks to resolve the issue, significant progress remains elusive. The current impasse affects not only diplomatic relations but also the lives of individuals residing in the border areas, as demonstrated by this recent passport denial.
Recent high-level meetings, including a discussion between Chinese President Xi Jinping and a top US senator, have emphasized the global implications of China-US relations, but the border dispute with India remains a separate and critical point of contention. The situation raises questions about the future of travel and documentation for residents of arunachal Pradesh and the potential for further diplomatic friction between the two Asian powers.
