China Sparks Tensions Again with Claim on Shaksgam Valley, India Stands Firm
Whether it’s the South China Sea, Doklam, Galwan, or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, China consistently follows a familiar approach: deny, delay, and dominate. This pattern is clear—while extending a seemingly peaceful hand, it simultaneously creates disturbances to assert control. Even when India-China relations showed potential for improvement, China has repeatedly complicated the situation. The latest instance is its renewed claim over the Shaksgam Valley, a region historically part of India’s Jammu & Kashmir, reigniting tensions between the two countries.
Historical Context: Shaksgam Valley
Shaksgam Valley has traditionally been part of Jammu & Kashmir. However, during the 1947–48 war, Pakistan illegally occupied the area. In 1963, Pakistan ceded the valley to China under the Sino-Pakistan boundary agreement. India, however, has consistently rejected this agreement, asserting that the valley, covering 5,180 sq km, is constitutionally Indian territory.
India’s Position
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance: the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not recognized by India as it passes through Indian territory under illegal Pakistani occupation. He emphasized that the entire Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh regions are integral and indivisible parts of India, a position repeatedly conveyed to both Chinese and Pakistani authorities.
China Responds
Reacting to Jaiswal’s statements, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning claimed in a press briefing that the area in question is part of China. She defended China’s infrastructure activities as legitimate within its territory and cited the 1960s border agreement with Pakistan as a legal basis. Mao reiterated that the CPEC is purely an economic initiative aimed at local development, and these projects do not affect China’s stance on the Kashmir issue, which remains unchanged.
Recent Chinese Activities in Shaksgam
Reports indicate that China has begun constructing an all-weather road through Shaksgam. While India has consistently protested these activities, Beijing has accelerated construction since the 2017 Doklam standoff with Bhutan. This road passes less than 49 km from the Siachen Glacier, one of the world’s highest conflict zones. Analysts note that while the road enhances connectivity for China, it is unlikely to significantly impact India’s defense posture in the region. Earlier, the South China Morning Post reported that Pakistan, in coordination with China, plans new ground border outposts, potentially strengthening military coordination against Indian forces in Ladakh and the broader Kashmir region.
In short, China continues its long-standing strategy: extend a hand, assert claims, and expand influence, leaving India to consistently counter with diplomatic and strategic vigilance.