China has never recognized the so-called "Union Territory of Ladakh" unilaterally and illegally established by India, and firmly opposes India’s release of so-called "standardized geographical names." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated this during a regular press briefing in Beijing on October 13, in response to a media query regarding a recent statement issued by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Indian statement indicated that standardized geographical names had been designated for 28 locations situated in disputed border areas and under China`s actual control, and marked on India`s official maps.

Mao Ning underscored that this move by the Indian side is illegal, null, and void. She stressed that such actions cannot alter the objective historical reality that the western sector of the China-India border has always belonged to China.

Source: Jinia, Foysal, Tuhina | China Media Group (CMG)