China Protests Naming Arunachal Peak After 6th Dalai Lama

China is once again expressing anger over Arunachal Pradesh. This time, Beijing has objected to an Indian mountaineering team naming a previously unnamed peak after the 6th Dalai Lama.

A 15-member team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) successfully climbed a 20,942 ft peak in the Gorichen range and named it ‘Tsangyang Gyatso Peak’ in tribute to the 6th Dalai Lama, who was born in Tawang in 1682.

The climb, led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, took 15 days and involved significant challenges like ice walls and glaciers.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the team on their achievement.

However, on September 26, China condemned the naming of the peak, claiming it as part of “Chinese territory” and calling India’s actions illegal.

China asserts that Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as "Zangnan," is part of its territory and has consistently protested any Indian assertions over the state.

Since 2017, China has been renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh to reinforce its claims.

India has firmly rejected these claims, stating that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

Tensions have escalated in the past, especially when Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Recently, after Prime Minister Modi’s visit, the United States officially recognised Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory, further aggravating China.