India Protests Chinese County Establishment and Brahmaputra Dam Projects

On 3rd January 2025, India formally objected to recent developments by China involving territorial and river projects impacting Indian interests.

Key Points

Protest Over Counties in Ladakh: China announced two new counties, He’an and Hekang, in Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, parts of which fall under the Union Territory of Ladakh.
India lodged a diplomatic protest, reaffirming its stance on sovereignty and rejecting China's "illegal occupation" of Indian territory.
Brahmaputra Hydropower Project Concerns: India raised concerns over China's construction of a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) in Tibet.
As a lower riparian state, India emphasized its user rights, urging transparency, consultation, and the protection of downstream interests.
Sovereignty Assertion: The creation of counties will not legitimize China's occupation or alter India's claims over Ladakh.
Riparian Concerns: India reiterated the need for transparent dialogue to address potential impacts on the Brahmaputra's downstream flow.