China Rejects Indian Supreme Court Verdict on Ladakh UT

In a significant development, China has dismissed the recent verdict by India's Supreme Court regarding the abrogation of Article 370 and the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory (UT). The apex court had upheld the central government's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status and supported the establishment of Ladakh as a UT.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, in a media briefing, categorically stated that China does not recognize the union territory of Ladakh, asserting that its creation by India was unilateral and illegal. According to Mao, this internal judicial decision does not alter the status of the western section of the China-India border, which China claims as an integral part of its territory.

"China has never recognized the so-called union territory of Ladakh set up unilaterally and illegally by India," quoted Mao Ning, emphasizing China's steadfast position on the Kashmir conflict.

Mao reiterated China's consistent stance on the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and proper resolution. This resolution, she emphasized, should align with the principles laid out in the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions, and relevant bilateral agreements.

The Supreme Court's directive to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and its mandate for holding elections to the assembly by September 30, 2024, mark a significant shift in India's domestic policy, reshaping the political landscape of the region. However, China remains unmoved in its refusal to acknowledge Ladakh as a legitimate entity.

Pakistan, reacting to the Supreme Court's verdict, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that international law does not recognize India's abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan's caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani emphasized that India has no right to make unilateral decisions on the status of the disputed territory against the will of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.

As geopolitical tensions and regional complexities continue to unfold, the implications of the Supreme Court's decision resonate not only within India but reverberate across international borders, further entrenching the longstanding disputes and contentions in the region. The rejection by China underscores the intricate nature of diplomatic relations and the multifaceted challenges surrounding territorial disputes and political autonomy.