China Reaffirms Claims Over Shaksgam Valley Amidst India's Objections

China has reaffirmed its territorial claims over the Shaksgam Valley, asserting the legitimacy of its infrastructure projects in the region. This comes in response to India's objections, where India maintains that the valley is its territory and criticizes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The historical context of Pakistan's transfer of land to China in 1963 adds complexity to the dispute. As tensions rise, both nations continue to assert their positions, with China emphasizing its rights as a sovereign state. This ongoing territorial dispute highlights the intricate dynamics of regional politics and sovereignty.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 14:19 IST

China's Territorial Claims

BEIJING, Jan 13: On Monday, China reiterated its claims over the Shaksgam Valley, responding to India's recent objections and asserting that its infrastructure projects in the region are justified.

Last Friday, India expressed its disapproval of China's development initiatives in the Shaksgam Valley, emphasizing its right to take necessary actions to protect its interests, as it considers the area to be part of its territory.

In 1963, Pakistan unlawfully transferred 5,180 square kilometers of Indian land in the Shaksgam Valley to China, an area that Pakistan had previously occupied illegally.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. We have never acknowledged the so-called China-Pakistan 'boundary agreement' from 1963, which we deem illegal and void."

He further added, "We also reject the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which traverses Indian land that is under illegal occupation by Pakistan."

In response to Jaiswal's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the media, asserting, "Firstly, the territory in question is part of China. Our infrastructure projects in this area are entirely legitimate." She noted that China and Pakistan have established a border agreement since the 1960s, which she claims are the rights of both nations as sovereign entities.

Mao reiterated Beijing's stance on the CPEC, framing it as an economic initiative designed to foster local development and enhance the livelihoods of the people.