The Mapping of the India-China Border

Context:

The article discusses the historical background of the India-China border issue, focusing on Tibet’s territorial claims, the role of the Republic of China (RoC), and how early maps shaped present-day disputes between India and China. It particularly highlights events around the Simla Conference (1914) and subsequent developments.

Key Historical Developments

1. Manchu Rule and Early Maps (1644–1911)
   • During the 267-year Manchu rule, two major maps of the Empire were prepared.
   • First Map (1717):
     • Created by Emperor Kang-hsi.
     • Depicted Tibet’s territorial limits but did not include areas south of the Himalayan divide, meaning present-day Arunachal Pradesh was not part of Tibet.
   • Second Map (1761):
     • Created by Emperor Ch’ien-lung.
     • Focused on Eastern Turkestan–Kashmir segment but again excluded Arunachal Pradesh and southern Himalayan regions.
2. Simla Conference (1914)
   • The RoC delegate categorically stated:
     • Tibet had no claim to the tribal belt south of the Himalayan divide (current Arunachal Pradesh).
     • These areas were not ethnically Tibetan and were self-governing.
   • This statement later became a key point in India’s border negotiations.
3. 1943 – World War II
   • By this time, the RoC was too weak to effectively assert control over Tibet, leaving boundaries ambiguous.
4. Post-Independence Developments
   • Chou En-lai’s Negotiations (1960):
     • Tried to reinterpret historical boundaries.
     • Proposed a swap deal: China would recognize India’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh in return for India conceding Aksai Chin to China.
     • India rejected this proposal.

Current Significance

• The historical evidence supports India’s claim that Arunachal Pradesh was never part of Tibet or China.
• The boundary dispute remains a major factor in India-China relations, influencing:
  • Strategic military planning.
  • Diplomatic negotiations.
  • Infrastructure development in border regions.

 

UPSC Prelims Pointers

Term/Fact	Details
Simla Conference (1914)	Defined boundaries between India, Tibet, and China. McMahon Line drawn here.
McMahon Line	Boundary between Tibet and British India.
Emperor Kang-hsi Map (1717)	First major map of Manchu Empire showing Tibet’s limits.
Emperor Ch’ien-lung Map (1761)	Second map focused on Eastern Turkestan–Kashmir region.
RoC Delegate Statement (1914)	Declared Tibet had no claim over southern Himalayan regions.
Aksai Chin Swap Proposal (1960)	China proposed India keep Arunachal Pradesh in exchange for conceding Aksai Chin.