In a recent development that adds another layer to the already tense South Asian geopolitical landscape, Pakistan has come out in firm support of China's position on Arunachal Pradesh, a region India claims as an integral part of its territory. This move underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, while simultaneously heightening tensions with India.
China Renames Arunachal Pradesh, India Reacts Strongly
The latest friction began when China renamed several locations within Arunachal Pradesh, referring to them by Chinese names under the term "Zangnan" — the name China uses for the region. This is not the first time Beijing has asserted claims over the area, but the timing and frequency of such renaming efforts have been increasing, reflecting a more assertive Chinese foreign policy.
India swiftly rejected these moves, stating that renaming locations does not change the fact that Arunachal Pradesh is and will remain an integral part of India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs called the Chinese move “senseless” and “an attempt to distort history.” India also criticized what it considers interference in its internal matters.
Pakistan Supports China's "Historic and Administrative" Claims
What has drawn fresh attention to the issue is Pakistan's vocal support for China. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated that Beijing's claims are “historically, geographically, and administratively accurate,” and that India has no grounds to object.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister added that “China has every right to rename areas within its own territory,” and criticized India for what he called “unwarranted aggression and expansionist tendencies.”
This declaration of support comes amidst deepening Sino-Pak ties, particularly in areas of defense, infrastructure, and diplomacy. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion dollar infrastructure initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is one of the major pillars of this partnership. Given the close economic and strategic ties, Pakistan’s stance is widely seen as a reinforcement of China’s regional narrative, particularly as both countries maintain longstanding disputes with India.
India’s Geopolitical Isolation in the Region?
India now finds itself diplomatically cornered, at least in the short term. With Pakistan openly aligning with China on this sensitive issue, New Delhi faces a two-front political and strategic challenge. The Himalayan border dispute with China remains unresolved, particularly after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Meanwhile, relations with Pakistan remain strained due to the Kashmir conflict and cross-border tensions.
This development comes at a time when India is actively trying to forge closer ties with the United States, Australia, and Japan through frameworks like the Quad alliance. However, India’s regional influence is being consistently tested by the growing cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.
Military Implications: A New Axis in South Asia
Beyond diplomacy, there are military implications to consider. China is Pakistan’s largest defense partner, supplying advanced drones, missile systems, and fighter aircraft. According to recent reports, Pakistan has acquired modern weapon systems from China that are significantly more advanced than previous generations, allowing Islamabad to potentially match or deter Indian military movements more effectively.
Some defense analysts argue that China is not just a defense partner but may be using Pakistan as a strategic platform to indirectly pressure India in contested zones like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. In this context, Pakistan’s endorsement of China's territorial claims could be more than just diplomatic—it may be part of a broader strategic alignment.
Conclusion: Growing Complexity in the Regional Order
Pakistan’s support for China over Arunachal Pradesh illustrates the increasingly complex and volatile nature of regional geopolitics. With China asserting itself aggressively on territorial issues and Pakistan reinforcing that posture, India faces a reinforced regional opposition.
While it remains to be seen how this stance will influence diplomatic engagements at international forums, one thing is clear: the fault lines in Asia are deepening. What might seem like a simple renaming of places has now become a geopolitical statement—one that could reverberate in border policies, international alliances, and defense strategies for years to come.
As the world watches, South Asia may be heading toward an era of new alignments, sharper divisions, and heightened strategic competition.
Reference: پاکستان: اروناچل پردیش رپورٹس پر چین کی حمایت، جارحیت کے خلاف مضبوط موقف
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