Washington - The United States Congressional Senatorial Committee has passed a resolution recognizing Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.
The resolution was sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, and Jon Cornyn of Texas. Additionally, Senators Tim Kaine of Virginia and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland co-sponsored the resolution. This legislative action reaffirms the US stance on the McMahon Line, acknowledging it as the international boundary between China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The resolution also rejects China's claims of territorial ownership over substantial portions of Arunachal Pradesh, which aligns with the US's opposition to China's aggressive and expansionist policies.
Senator Jeff Merkley, who serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, emphasized the importance of America's values in supporting freedom and a rules-based order worldwide. He stated that the passage of this resolution affirms the United States' recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India, not the People's Republic of China. Senator Merkley further committed the US to providing support and assistance to the region, collaborating with like-minded international partners.
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, Tennessee’s U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, and Texas’ U.S. Senator Jon Cornyn
Senator Bill Hagerty highlighted the increasing threats posed by China to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific region. He stressed the need for the United States to stand alongside strategic partners like India and the Quad countries, pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) territorial ambitions. This includes countering China's attempts at territorial aggrandizement in various regions such as the South and East China Seas, the Himalayas, and the southern Pacific.
Senator Jon Cornyn underlined the importance of supporting democracy and a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of escalating tensions between India and China along their shared border. He expressed that this resolution reaffirms the US recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India, emphasizing the US's commitment to defending democratic values.