China Protests Naming of Arunachal Pradesh Peak After 6th Dalai Lama

China has condemned the naming of a newly climbed peak in Arunachal Pradesh after the 6th Dalai Lama, asserting its claims over the region. The peak, named "Tsangyang Gyatso Peak" by Indian mountaineers, highlights ongoing tensions over territorial sovereignty as India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is part of its territory.

China has voiced its displeasure following the naming of a newly climbed peak in Arunachal Pradesh as "Tsangyang Gyatso Peak," in honor of the 6th Dalai Lama, who was born in the region in 1682. The peak was successfully scaled by a 15-member team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal. The summit stands at 20,942 feet and was described by the defense ministry as one of the most challenging climbs undertaken by the team.

In a press release, the defense ministry highlighted that naming the peak after the 6th Dalai Lama serves as a tribute to his wisdom and contributions to the Monpa community. However, the Chinese foreign ministry quickly responded, reiterating its territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan. Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "It’s illegal and null and void for India to set up the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' in Chinese territory," underscoring China's longstanding position on the matter.

The naming of the peak comes as part of a broader context, as China has been actively renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh since 2017 to assert its claims. India, on the other hand, maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory, rejecting China's assertions and describing the renaming efforts as an attempt to alter historical realities.

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The NIMAS team’s expedition lasted 15 days and faced significant challenges, including sheer ice walls, treacherous crevasses, and a long glacier in the Gorichen range of the Arunachal Pradesh Himalayas. The team has informed the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) about their ascent and is currently completing the formalities to officially recognize "Tsangyang Gyatso Peak" on the map.