China Rejects India's Naming of Strategic Locations in Ladakh

China has firmly opposed India's recent move to standardize names for 28 strategic locations in Ladakh, asserting that these areas are rightfully theirs. The announcement by India's Ministry of Home Affairs aims to enhance cartography and public awareness of the sensitive border region. Key locations like Gogra and Hot Spring, which were friction points during the 2020 standoff, are included in this initiative. This ongoing border dispute has historical roots, with tensions escalating since May 2020. The article delves into the implications of this naming initiative and China's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 13, 2026, 15:41 IST

China's Opposition to India's Naming Initiative

File image of Indian and Chinese troupes somewhere along the LAC in Ladakh. (Photo:X)

Beijing, Oct 13: On Tuesday, China expressed strong disapproval regarding India's recent decision to standardize names for 28 strategic sites and geographical features in Ladakh, asserting that these areas are rightfully theirs.

During a media briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, "China has never acknowledged the so-called 'Union Territory of Ladakh' that India has unilaterally and illegally established."

Mao further emphasized that Beijing "firmly opposes India's declaration of these so-called standard names."

This statement came in response to India's Ministry of Home Affairs, which had announced the standardized names for 28 locations in Ladakh.

According to Mao, the action is "illegal and invalid" and does not alter the reality that the areas in question along the western sector of the China-India boundary have always belonged to China.

On October 2, India officially recognized 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh, including significant border friction points like Gogra and Hot Spring, on its official map.

This initiative, undertaken by the government in collaboration with the Ladakh administration, aims to enhance official cartography, ensure accurate identification, and improve public awareness regarding this sensitive border region.

Gogra and Hot Spring are critical strategic sites that were points of contention during the 2020 standoff between Indian and Chinese forces. These locations are vital for Indian patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The eastern Ladakh border standoff began on May 5, 2020, following a violent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops near Pangong Lake. Both nations initiated a disengagement process in 2022.

Other identified locations by India include Alisha Giri, a high-altitude peak; Brangsa; Chapchingal Pass; Kanishka Peak; Karun Pir mountain; Kuksel; Martand Giri; Parpik glacier; Skamri Glacier; Shachmirik Pass; Shkorga Valley; Zorawar Peak; Dehra Compass; and Drak Karpo.

The list also features Jolmori, Kumarayana Point, Panglung, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Guru Rinpoche, Shamal Lungpa (a patrol and staging route in the 1950s), Yangpa River, Marpa Lotsava Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri, and Maheshwara Ri.