China Announces Establishment of Two New Counties in Ladakh, Indian Government Protests

China has announced the creation of two new counties in its Hotan Prefecture, incorporating parts of Ladakh, a move that has sparked strong protests from the Indian government. This marks the first time both India and China have publicly expressed objections over their ongoing Himalayan border dispute.

The announcement comes just days after the resumption of border talks between the two nations. India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, had visited Beijing last month to engage in discussions regarding border areas. In December 2024, a Chinese defense spokesperson emphasized both nations’ readiness to jointly work towards maintaining peace along their borders.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Joswal stated that parts of the new counties fall within Ladakh’s territorial limits. According to China’s state-run news agency Xinhua, the establishment of the He’an and Hekang counties was approved by the Communist Party of China and the State Council. These counties include a significant portion of the Aksai Chin region, which India accuses China of illegally occupying.

The border tensions between the two countries escalated during a violent standoff in Ladakh in 2020, where several Indian soldiers were killed in clashes. Defense analysts warn that this new development could further intensify regional tensions, particularly as China is unlikely to take steps that would create doubt over its territorial claims.