International Desk, 31st August: China has responded to India’s protest against its new “Standard Map“ for 2023, asserting that the release was a routine practice and urging New Delhi not to over-interpret the situation.
India had lodged a strong protest after China’s publication of the map on Monday, which depicted the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, and the entire South China Sea within China’s borders. Although similar depictions existed in previous Chinese maps, India viewed this as an unnecessary move that could further escalate already tense relations, particularly regarding border disputes.
China, however, downplayed the matter, citing its routine sovereignty exercise in accordance with the law. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin emphasized the need for objectivity and calmness in interpreting the situation while refraining from over interpretation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s firm stance on its territory, denouncing baseless claims and stating that absurd claims do not alter the territorial rights of others.