India Protests China's Creation of New Counties in Disputed Ladakh Territory

China's establishment of two counties in Xinjiang includes areas claimed by India, prompting diplomatic objections and reaffirmations of sovereignty.

China announced the establishment of He'an and Hekang counties in its Hotan Prefecture, with parts of these counties overlapping the disputed Aksai Chin region in Ladakh.
India's Ministry of External Affairs lodged a formal protest, stating it has never accepted China's 'illegal occupation' of Indian territory.
Indian officials reaffirmed that the creation of these counties does not alter India's consistent stance on its sovereignty over the region.
The announcement comes shortly after India and China resumed high-level boundary talks following years of strained relations due to border disputes.
This development also follows recent disengagement by both nations at key friction points in Eastern Ladakh, including Demchok and Depsang.