China Establishes Two New Counties in Aksai Chin: A Major Geopolitical Move
Introduction Recently, China has taken a significant step by establishing two new counties in the Aksai Chin region, a territory under dispute between India and China. This development is crucial, especially considering that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China in 2025. This raises critical questions: Why did China take this step now? What is the larger strategic plan behind it? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Historical Context of Aksai Chin
Aksai Chin has been under Chinese control since the 1962 Sino-Indian War. While Pakistan had already ceded a part of its occupied territory to China, the latter took control over Aksai Chin and has held it ever since. However, India’s long-term goal remains to reclaim this territory and bring it under its administration.
China’s Recent Administrative Changes
China recently restructured its county-level administration and, as part of this exercise, created two new counties in Aksai Chin: Henan County and Hekang County. The larger of these, Henan County, covers a significant portion of the disputed region.
This move raises serious concerns because:
- China did not undertake a large-scale administrative restructuring across its entire country.
- The specific focus on Aksai Chin suggests an attempt to strengthen its claim over the region.
- This is a clear geopolitical signal to India, reinforcing China’s stance that Aksai Chin is under its jurisdiction.
Understanding the ‘County’ System in China
To grasp the significance of this move, let’s briefly understand China’s administrative structure:
- In India, land is divided into States, which contain Divisions, further divided into Districts.
- In China, there are no ‘states’ but rather Provinces.
- Below the provincial level, administrative units are divided into counties, which function similarly to districts in India.
Thus, by establishing new counties in Aksai Chin, China has effectively formalized its control over the area by integrating it more deeply into its internal governance system.
Comparison with India’s 2019 Move on Jammu & Kashmir
A similar administrative move was made by India in 2019 when the government bifurcated Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. China had vehemently protested this change at the United Nations, alongside Pakistan. However, when China itself makes administrative changes in disputed territories, it disregards international reactions.
India has officially protested against China’s move, but so far, the response has been relatively measured. Many believe India should escalate the matter at international forums, just as China did regarding Jammu & Kashmir.
China’s Strategic Intent Behind This Move
China’s long-term strategy in Aksai Chin revolves around:
- Rapid Infrastructure Development: Establishing new counties allows China to channel funds from Beijing into infrastructure projects.
- Population Settlement: By building modern villages and settling Chinese citizens in Aksai Chin, China aims to solidify its claim over the territory.
- Resource Exploitation: Reports suggest Aksai Chin may contain valuable lithium reserves and other rare minerals. Establishing counties provides a structured way to commence large-scale mining operations.
- Military Strengthening: By improving logistical support and connectivity in Aksai Chin, China could strengthen its military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), posing a significant challenge to India.
Implications for India
China’s actions create a new set of challenges for India:
- Increased Chinese Presence Near LAC: With better infrastructure, China can deploy its military more effectively in the region.
- Pressure on India’s Infrastructure Development: While China rapidly develops Aksai Chin, India faces bureaucratic and environmental hurdles in improving connectivity in Ladakh.
- Geopolitical Messaging: China’s move sends a strong diplomatic message that it has no intention of negotiating on Aksai Chin.
To counter China’s aggressive expansion, India must:
- Strengthen border infrastructure in Ladakh.
- Raise the issue at international platforms, including the United Nations.
- Enhance domestic mining and exploration to compete with China’s economic advantage.