‘In recorded history, Ladakh was never a part of China’: Ladakh leaders reject China’s recent statement

Leh Apex Body (LAB) co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook on Thursday (October 15, 2026) “strongly condemned” the recent statement of China on Ladakh and pledged to see China-occupied Aksai Chin as part of India.

“We strongly condemn and reject China’s statement on Western Ladakh. China should be careful with their remarks. Never in recorded history, Ladakh was a part of China. We appeal to the Government of India to condemn it in strongest terms,” said Mr. Lakrook, who also heads the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA).

Mr. Lakrook said people of Ladakh were “living happily with India”. “We will not give up an inch, including Askai Chin, which is under illegal occupation of China,” he added.

Konchok Stanzin, ex-councillor from the Chushul constituency, described Ladakh as “an integral part of India”. “Youth of Ladakh from the 1962 war and the 2020 confrontation stood with India and fought for the protection of the territory. On behalf of border resident, I condemn the remarks and ask China to withdraw the same,” said Mr. Stanzin.

Deldan Namgyal, ex-MLA from the Nubra valley, which is surrounded by China and Pakistan on two sides, said, “Locals always saved Ladakh from China, which is enemy of our spiritual guru Dalai Lama, evicted illegally by China. We are not an agent of China. We are with Bharat Mata and stand with the Government of India (GoI).”

To assign official names to 28 geographical features in Ladakh, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on October 13, “China has never recognised the so-called ‘Union Territory of Ladakh’ unilaterally and illegally established by India, and firmly opposes the so-called ‘standardised names’ publicised by India.”