The latest controversy emanated out of a villainous move carried out by China, fiddling with the boundaries of Indian Territory on its latest version of Standard Map needs to be dealt with strong reaction while exploring all the possible angles as the expansionist ambitions of the Dragon will go a step further if not stopped at this juncture.
The belligerent state which is infamous for its expansionist nature can take any step to claim Indian Territory as its own like it had shown Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh in its latest version of Standard Map showcasing Chinese boundaries. There is no doubt in the fact that it was an old habit of China to put out maps claiming territories of its neighbours that don't belong to it but it becomes necessary for India to somehow stop the Dragon nation from doing such pricking games as this could lead to dangerous results as far as interests of the country are concerned.
In the latest move, responding to protests carried out by India, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has let down Indian concerns claiming the wrong map as a routine matter and asking India not to over-interpret. This is typical Chinese manoeuvre which at the start of any controversy downplays the same but with the passage of time, it starts making claims based on these baseless facts and figures.
It is pertinent to mention that India has lodged a strong protest over the new map which showed within China's borders all of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, as well as the entire South China Sea. China has defended issuing a new standard map for 2023.
The new publication of the Chinese Standard Map has been seen by New Delhi as an unnecessary provocation that will only further complicate already tense relations, particularly over the border issue. Of course, India is also clear on the issue as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that the government is very clear about what is our territory and making absurd claims does not merge other people's territories into China.
It is well known the world over that Chinese are habitual of usurping territories of other countries by way of making maps on even the imagination that their dogs and donkeys have been passing through that territory hence it belonged to it. Such attitude will do no good to Dragon nation but such moves are unwarranted because these could deteriorate ties between countries especially when it is between India and China, therefore every effort should be made by the Indian government to stop China from indulging in such misadventures to get rid of distasteful experiences when it comes to issues between both the countries. Government should also explore and revisit its bilateral trade with China and rectify its balance of payments in Sino-India trade.
