China has once again provoked India by asserting its claim over the Shaksgam Valley, a strategically important region in the Himalayas. This move has intensified the already complex and strained relationship between the two nations, adding another layer to their ongoing border dispute.
The Shaksgam Valley: A Contested Territory
The Shaksgam Valley, also known as the Trans-Karakoram Tract, is a region of approximately 5,200 square kilometers. It is situated in the Hunza-Gilgit area of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), bordering China's Xinjiang Province to the north. While the valley is currently administered by China, India claims it as an integral part of its territory.
The roots of the dispute lie in a 1963 boundary agreement between Pakistan and China, in which Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley to China. India has consistently rejected this agreement, maintaining that Pakistan had no legal right to transfer the territory. New Delhi considers the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including areas under POK, as its own.
China's Position and Actions
China defends its claim over the Shaksgam Valley by pointing to the 1963 agreement with Pakistan, asserting that it demarcated the boundary between the two countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on January 12, 2026, that it is "fully justified" for China to conduct infrastructure construction on its own territory. China has been investing in infrastructure development in the Shaksgam Valley, including the construction of roads and bridges. India views this development with concern, as it could bolster China's strategic presence near its borders and allow China to connect Xinjiang to Pakistan.
India's Response
India has strongly protested China's claim and construction activities in the Shaksgam Valley. India's foreign ministry has stated that it reserves the right to take necessary measures to safeguard its interests, as the Shaksgam Valley is "an Indian territory". New Delhi has consistently maintained that the 1963 agreement is "illegal and invalid". India has also conveyed its objections to both Pakistani and Chinese authorities on numerous occasions.
Strategic Implications
The Shaksgam Valley holds significant strategic importance due to its location at the intersection of the Karakoram and Kunlun mountains. It lies adjacent to the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battleground, adding to its geopolitical significance. Control of the Shaksgam Valley could provide China with a strategic advantage in the region, potentially threatening Indian positions in the Siachen sector. The valley also provides a potential route for a road connecting China to Pakistan.
The Broader Context of India-China Relations
The Shaksgam Valley dispute is just one facet of the larger India-China border conflict. The two countries share a long and complex history, including a brief war in 1962. The Line of Actual Control (LAC), which serves as the de facto border, is a subject of disagreement, with differing perceptions of its alignment. In 2020, a violent clash in the Galwan Valley resulted in casualties on both sides, further escalating tensions. While the two countries reached a pact in 2024 to lower military tensions, disputes over territory continue to arise. Besides the Shaksgam Valley, China also claims Arunachal Pradesh, calling it Zangnan and asserting it is part of South Tibet, which India has repeatedly dismissed.
The recent escalation of claims over the Shaksgam Valley highlights the ongoing challenges in the India-China relationship. Despite efforts to improve relations and de-escalate tensions, the two countries remain locked in a complex territorial dispute with significant strategic implications. The future will depend on the ability of both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue and find peaceful resolutions to their border disagreements.
