The United States – in a recently passed bi-partisan resolution – has formally recognised the McMahon Line as the international border between China and India. What is the McMahon Line and what this development means for India?
In February 2023, the US Senate introduced a resolution with the title ‘Reaffirming the state of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and condemning the People’s Republic of China’s provocations in South Asia’.
The resolution seeks to reaffirm the status of Arunachal Pradesh as an Indian territory and condemn the provocative actions taken by the People’s Republic of China in South Asia.
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It came after December 2022 clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
The resolution denounces several actions taken by China that have destabilised the region and caused tensions with neighboring countries. These actions include the use of military force to alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, building of villages in disputed areas, and expansion of territorial claims in Bhutan.
Additionally, China’s publication of maps with Mandarin language names for cities and features in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh is also condemned.
The resolution expresses unequivocal support for recognising the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, and it also calls for strengthening the strategic partnership between the US and India, as well as the Quad to support the Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
The resolution is bipartisan in nature and seeks to condemn China’s military activities while also enhancing the relationship between the US and India.
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What is the McMahon Line? The 1914 Simla Convention (attended by the representatives of British India. Tibet and Republic of China) recognised the McMahon Line as the boundary between Tibet (an independent region at the time) and British India.
The McMahon Line was drawn by Henry McMahon, foreign secretary of the British-run Government of India and the chief negotiator of the convention at Simla.
In 1950, China captured Tibet, a move that was not recognised by India and Tibet, who had signed a convention together. However, China had not signed the convention. The line first appeared on an official Survey of India map in 1937, and would become significant in the political history of the region.
INDIA CHINA CONFLICT (A TIMELINE)
1914
Representatives from Britain, the Republic of China and Tibet try to negotiate a treaty to effectively settle the borders between China and British India.
Tibet and India accept the McMahon Line; China refuses.
1947
India gains independence.
1949
People’s Republic of China formed.
1950s
China insisted that Tibet was never independent.
1962
India-China war. LAC comes into being.
1967
Nathu La and Cho La clashes
A scuffle breaks out when Indian troops begin laying barbed wire along the border. The skirmishes last for over two months.
1987
Skirmishes after India grants statehood to Arunachal Pradesh in 1986.
2017
Chinese troops attempted to construct a road near Doklam plateau; India steps in.
2020
Chinese incursion in Galwan valley.
15-16 June: 20 Indian soldiers and 40+ Chinese soldiers killed.
The two sides agreed to disengage from the disputed area in September 2022.
2022
Indian and Chinese troops clashed in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector on Dec 9, beating each other up with clubs and sticks, resulting in injuries.
The clash took place after more than 300 Chinese soldiers approached the contested border to target an Indian Army post and were physically stopped from crossing.
2023
US recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between Arunachal Pradesh and China.
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