India Protests China’s Formation of Two New County in Hotan Prefecture

• India lodges a “solemn protest” with China over the formation of two counties in the Hotan prefecture, which includes Ladakh territory.

• Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirms India’s rejection of China’s illegal occupation of Indian territory in the area.

• India also expresses concerns about the construction of a mega hydro power project in the Yarlung Tsangpo, a river flowing through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

• The protest follows a report by Chinese news agency Xinhua on December 27, 2024, claiming the formation of He’an County and Hekang County in the Hotan prefecture.