China Oversteps Again: Sets Up New Counties in Xinjiang

While border talks with India continue, China has once again revealed its true intentions by setting up two new counties in Xinjiang. These new counties, named Hiyan County and Hekang County, have been incorporated into the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The decision has been approved by the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and the State Council.

Hiyan County will have Hangliu as its administrative center, while Hekang County will be governed from the Jeyidula Township. Notably, Hiyan County includes the Aksai Chin region, which China has occupied from India. This move is expected to provoke a response from India.

Just last month, China and India held the 23rd round of talks to resolve border disputes. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing for discussions. It is significant that China took this decision while border talks were still ongoing.