Beijing calls India’s decision to give standard names to 28 locations in Ladakh illegal and invalid, restating its claim over the western sector of the border.
China opposes Ladakh naming of 28 places by India, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning telling a Beijing briefing on Tuesday that the decision carries no legal weight, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). Mao said China has never recognized the Union Territory of Ladakh and rejects India’s announcement of standard names for peaks, passes, glaciers and other features, PTI reported.
Beijing Rejects the Union Territory of Ladakh
PTI reported that Mao was answering a question about an announcement by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. She described the Union Territory of Ladakh as established by India unilaterally and illegally. PTI said she called the move “illegal and invalid.”
According to PTI, Mao added that the step cannot change the position that the relevant areas in the western sector of the China India boundary have always belonged to China.
What India Announced on October 2
PTI reported that India formally identified 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh on October 2 for display on the official Indian map. ANI reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs took the step in consultation with the Ladakh administration, for inclusion on the Survey of India map.
ANI quoted the ministry as saying the aim is “better awareness among the public at large.” The list includes peaks, passes, land areas and water bodies, according to ANI. PTI named Zorawar Peak, Kanishka Peak, Shachmirik Pass, Skamri Glacier and the Yangpa River among them.
Gogra and Hot Spring Among the Named Locations
PTI reported that the list includes Gogra and Hot Spring, two friction points during the 2020 standoff between Indian and Chinese forces. PTI described the locations as important for Indian patrols along the Line of Actual Control. It said the standoff began on May 5, 2020, after a violent clash near Pangong Lake.
RNA Media reported that some of the 28 names are in Aksai Chin, an area controlled by China. The outlet also said the announcement records names in India’s mapping system but does not itself change territorial control or settle competing claims.
Why China Opposes Ladakh Naming Amid the India China Border Dispute
RNA Media reported that the Ladakh list follows a similar Indian exercise covering 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh in August 2026, which also drew objections from Beijing. The outlet added that China has issued its own successive lists of names for locations in Arunachal Pradesh, while India has repeatedly rejected Chinese claims to that state.
ANI reported India’s position as one of administrative clarity, saying the new names bring official maps in line with places Indian authorities already recognize. Both governments continue to hold opposing positions in the India China border dispute.
Will India Respond to China’s Objection?
Tamrah News did not find an official response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs to Mao Ning’s remarks in coverage reviewed at the time of writing. India has previously rejected Chinese territorial claims in the region, according to RNA Media.
FAQs
Why does China oppose Ladakh naming by India?
China says it has never recognized the Union Territory of Ladakh and considers the western sector of the China India boundary to be its territory, according to PTI.
What did Mao Ning say about the Ladakh standard names?
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the naming is illegal and invalid, and that it cannot change what Beijing describes as the historical position on the western sector.
How many places did India name in Ladakh?
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced standard names for 28 places and geographical features on October 2, including Gogra and Hot Spring, for the Survey of India map.
Are any of the Ladakh names in Aksai Chin?
RNA Media reported that some listed places are in Aksai Chin. Readers should check the official Survey of India map for the full list.
Does the Survey of India map change control along the Line of Actual Control?
RNA Media reported that the announcement does not change territorial control or settle the India China border dispute.