Chinese commentator and policy analyst Victor Zhikai Gao has ignited a diplomatic stir by proposing a highly controversial new border between India and China: the “Victor Gao Line” along the Ganges River. Gao’s remarks, made in a recent interview, challenge the legality of the McMahon Line, which currently delineates India’s eastern border with China.
A Provocative New Border Proposal
Gao drew a provocative analogy, stating that if India insists on recognizing the McMahon Line, China could arbitrarily establish a “Victor Gao Line” along the Ganges and claim all territories north of it. He argued that the McMahon Line, established during the colonial era, is “illegal” because it was drawn by British authorities without Chinese participation. This assertion echoes Beijing’s long-held stance that it never accepted the McMahon Line, claiming the disputed territory historically belonged to Tibet and China.
Claims on Arunachal Pradesh
Extending his controversial claims, Gao asserted that India should “surrender” what Beijing refers to as “South Xizang,” which corresponds to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. China claims nearly the entire 90,000 square kilometers of Arunachal Pradesh, despite India consistently maintaining its status as an integral and inalienable part of the country. New Delhi has repeatedly dismissed China’s renaming of locations in the region as “inventive attempts” that do not alter the ground reality.
Context Amidst Bilateral Tensions
Gao’s remarks come at a sensitive juncture for India-China relations. Both Asian giants have been cautiously attempting to stabilize ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, which plunged bilateral relations to their lowest point in decades. While diplomatic and military talks have intensified, and both sides express interest in reducing tensions and restoring broader cooperation, such provocative statements risk undermining these efforts.
In another segment of his interview, Gao contrasted India’s economic and technological progress with China’s rapid rise. He claimed China was “minimum 20 years, if not 30 years” ahead of India in industrial capability, scientific innovation, and military production, warning that India would face significant disadvantages if it failed to engage economically with China.
India's Consistent Rejection
India has consistently and unequivocally rejected Chinese claims over Arunachal Pradesh and the legality of the McMahon Line. New Delhi views such statements as unhelpful and contrary to the spirit of dialogue aimed at maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite the political tensions, trade ties between the two nations have remained robust, with China continuing to be one of India’s largest trading partners.