Why China is interested in Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang) | India China border conflict / Tawang clash

Summary

China's interest in Tawang, a district in Arunachal Pradesh, is driven by a mix of historical, ethnic, and strategic factors. Tawang's historical ties to Tibet, including the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, and its ethnic connection to Tibetan populations, fuel China's claim over the region. Additionally, Tawang's strategic location offers China access to India’s northeastern states and proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, a vital link to India's mainland. China's infrastructure developments, such as roads, railways, and dams in Tibet, further strengthen its military and geopolitical objectives, while controlling water resources adds a powerful leverage point against India.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tawang and Arunachal Pradesh are strategically important for China due to their location near the India-China border and proximity to other key regions like Bhutan.
• 😀 China has historically claimed Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet (Zangnan), citing cultural and historical ties between Tawang and Tibet.
• 😀 The ethnic composition of Arunachal Pradesh, especially in Tawang, is linked to Tibetan populations, making the region sensitive for China’s national security.
• 😀 Tawang Monastery holds significant religious importance, with the 6th Dalai Lama born in Tawang, which adds to China's interest in controlling the region.
• 😀 China fears India might exploit the Tibetan population in Arunachal Pradesh to fuel separatist movements against Chinese control over Tibet.
• 😀 The construction of Chinese infrastructure, like roads and railways near the India-China border, enables faster military mobilization and enhances China's strategic advantage.
• 😀 Tawang provides a strategic entry point for China into India's northeastern states and serves as a key location for controlling access to the Siliguri Corridor (India's 'chicken's neck').
• 😀 If China controls Tawang, it could effectively cut off India’s northeastern states from the rest of the country, posing a significant security threat.
• 😀 China is building infrastructure in neighboring Nepal and Bangladesh, increasing regional influence and complicating India’s security dynamics.
• 😀 Control over the Tibetan Plateau’s water resources, including the Brahmaputra River, allows China to potentially use water as a geopolitical tool to leverage power over India.

Q & A

Why is China interested in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically the Tawang region?

China's interest in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang, is largely strategic. It wants control over the region for several reasons, including historical ties to Tibet, the presence of Tibetan-descendant populations, and its proximity to India’s northeastern states and the Brahmaputra Valley.

What is the significance of the Tawang and Walong cantonments in Arunachal Pradesh?

Tawang and Walong cantonments are strategically important for India’s defense. Located near the India-China border, these areas are key to holding off Chinese advances, especially in the context of previous conflicts like the 1962 India-China war.

How does China’s control over Tibet affect its claims on Arunachal Pradesh?

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet (Zangnan) based on its control over Tibet. China argues that regions like Tawang are historically linked to Tibet, with Tawang being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, further supporting their territorial claims.

What role does the demographic composition of Arunachal Pradesh play in China’s interest?

The people of upper Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang, have ethnic ties to Tibet. This raises concerns for China, which fears that India could use these ties to support pro-Tibetan movements and undermine Chinese control over Tibet.

Why is the presence of the Dalai Lama significant to China’s concerns regarding Tawang?

The Dalai Lama’s presence in India, particularly in Dharamshala, represents a symbol of Tibetan independence. His escape from Tibet in 1959 and subsequent influence over Tibetan populations, including in Arunachal Pradesh, is seen as a threat to China’s authority over Tibet.

How would Chinese control of Tawang affect Bhutan’s security?

If China controls Tawang, it would encircle Bhutan geographically, increasing Chinese influence over both Bhutan’s eastern and western borders. This would destabilize Bhutan’s security and could lead to direct threats from China on its sovereignty.

What are the strategic implications of the Siliguri Corridor for India?

The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the 'Chicken's Neck,' is a narrow strip of land that connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. Any threat to this corridor, such as from Chinese control of nearby areas like Tawang, could severely impact India’s military and logistical operations in the northeast.

What is the significance of China’s infrastructure projects near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction?

China’s construction of roads and railway lines near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, such as the G204 highway and the Lhasa-Chengdu railway, increases its military reach and logistical capabilities. These projects could potentially isolate Bhutan and create security challenges for India.

How does China’s construction of dams on the Brahmaputra River pose a threat to India?

China’s construction of dams on the Brahmaputra River (known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet) gives it control over the water flow, which could be used as a geopolitical weapon. China could release water to cause floods or block the flow to create droughts in northeastern India, significantly impacting agriculture and water supply.

Why does China view the control over Tawang as crucial for its military strategy against India?

Tawang is a strategic location for China because it offers proximity to India’s military bases and critical infrastructure in the northeast. If China controls Tawang, it would not only disrupt India’s defense but could also be used to launch attacks or intercept India’s military supplies and personnel.