The United States has given a big blow to China regarding India. A few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit, a committee of the US Parliament passed a resolution declaring Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. The motion was introduced by MPs Jeff Merkley, Bill Hegerty, Tim Kaine and Chris Van Hollen. China keeps telling India’s Arunachal Pradesh as its own and often its soldiers keep trying to infiltrate Indian territory.

It is believed that through this the US Parliament has given a big message against Chinese bullying. The resolution reaffirms that the US recognizes the McMahon Line as the international boundary between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, a statement issued to the media said. This undermines China’s claim that most of Arunachal belongs to the PRC. The proposal will now be presented to the Senate for a vote.

Congressman Merkle said American values that support freedom and a rules-based order should be at the heart of all our actions and relationships around the world. Especially when the PRC government is taking an alternative approach. Merkle is co-chairman of the US House Committee on China. He said that the passing of the said resolution by the committee further confirms that the US considers Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India and not of China.

At the same time, it reflects the US commitment to providing strong support to the region and like-minded international partners. MP Corney said that tension is increasing between India and China regarding the common border. In such a situation, America will have to stand firmly to protect democracy by supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. He said that this resolution confirms that the US recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India and I urge my colleagues to pass it without delay.