India expressed its “solemn protest” through diplomatic channels on Friday over China’s establishment of two new counties in the Hotan prefecture. The counties, which fall under China’s jurisdiction, also partially overlap with India’s Union Territory of Ladakh.
India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in the area.” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also added, “Part of the jurisdiction of these counties is in Ladakh, which India claims as its territory.” Both Indian and Chinese forces disengaged from Demchok and Depsang regions in Eastern Ladakh, months ago.
The country has also expressed concerns over the plan by China to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, saying it would continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect its interests. The spokesperson again insisted that India has always raised its concerns with regard to Chinese mega projects on rivers in its territory, citing the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.
In addition, satellite data showed that China is constructing at least 22 villages near Doklam, including eight settlements near the Doklam plateau, which has traditionally been part of Bhutan.
