China opposes India's standardisation of names for 28 regions in Ladakh, calls the move illegal

China's foreign ministry said it opposed India's step to establish standardised names for 28 regions in Ladakh, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, India formally standardised names and mapped 28 regions in Ladakh, including key border friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) such as Gogra and Hot Spring, on the official Indian map.

The decision was taken by the Centre in consultation with the Ladakh administration, aiming to streamline official cartography, facilitate precise identification, and improve public awareness of the border region.


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This was in direct response to China, in 2023, renaming regions in Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls ‘Zangnan’ or South Tibet.

China called the Indian ministry's move 'illegal,' as per Reuters.

"China has never recognised the so-called 'Union Territory of Ladakh' unilaterally and illegally established by India," PTI reported citing Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

According to Ning, Beijing, "firmly opposes India's announcement of so-called standard names.”

Read more: China says India's move to identify 27 places in Arunachal with standard names is 'illegal, null and void'

The foreign ministry official was responding to a question on India's Ministry of Home Affairs announcing standardised names for 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh.

"The move is illegal and invalid and cannot change the fact that the relevant areas in the western sector of the China-India boundary have always belonged to China," she said.

Gogra and Hot Spring are among the major strategic locations renamed by India. These locations were friction points during the 2020 standoff between Indian and Chinese forces and are crucial for conducting patrols across the LAC.

According to PTI, the other locations identified 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.

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, were also part of the list.

(With inputs from Agencies)