Daily Current Affairs : 28-July-2023
Recently, India took a significant step by withdrawing its eight-athlete wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu. This decision came after China issued stapled visas to three athletes from the Indian team who hail from Arunachal Pradesh. Stapled visas are different from regular visas, as they are attached to the passport using pins or staples and can be torn off easily. This essay delves into the context of the issue, explains the significance of passports and visas, and explores the reasons behind China’s move.
Understanding Stapled Visas
Stapled visas are essentially unstamped pieces of paper attached to a passport with pins or staples. In contrast, regular visas are affixed by the issuing authority and stamped. China has been issuing stapled visas to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. While China considers these stapled visas valid, the Indian government consistently rejects this position.
Significance of Passports and Visas
Passports and visas play a crucial role in reinforcing the concept of nation-states and their sovereignty. A passport serves as a certificate of identity and citizenship for its holder. Nation-states have the right to control and regulate the movement of individuals across their borders. Possessing a valid passport and visa grants individuals the ability to travel freely and legally protected across international boundaries.
Reasons Behind China’s Move
China’s issuance of stapled visas to Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh is not an isolated incident. It stems from a deeper disagreement between China and India over the sovereignty of Arunachal Pradesh. China challenges India’s unequivocal sovereignty over this region and disputes the legal status of the McMahon Line, the boundary agreed upon by Great Britain, China, and Tibet during the Simla Convention of 1914.
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a contentious issue at the heart of Chinese claims over Arunachal Pradesh, leading to repeated incursions into Indian territory. China claims a vast area of 90,000 square kilometers in Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet” in Chinese. The country has even included Arunachal Pradesh in its maps as part of its territory, occasionally labeling it as “so-called Arunachal Pradesh.”
China’s periodic efforts to assert its unilateral claim over Indian territory include issuing lists of Chinese names for places in Arunachal Pradesh and, as seen in this instance, the issuance of stapled visas to Indian nationals. These actions not only undermine India’s sovereignty but also serve as a way for China to reinforce its claim over disputed regions.
Important Points:
- India withdrew its eight-athlete wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu after China issued stapled visas to three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh.
- Stapled visas are unstamped pieces of paper attached to a passport using pins or staples, different from regular visas.
- China has been issuing stapled visas to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, but India does not accept them as valid documents.
- Passports and visas reinforce the concept of nation-states and their sovereignty, enabling individuals to travel freely and legally protected across international borders.
- China challenges India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, disputing the legal status of the McMahon Line agreed upon in 1914.
- The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a contentious issue, leading to repeated incursions into Indian territory by China.
- China claims around 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, referring to it as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet” in Chinese.
- China’s actions, such as including Arunachal Pradesh in its maps and issuing stapled visas, aim to assert its claim over disputed regions and undermine India’s sovereignty.
- The withdrawal of India’s wushu contingent reflects the ongoing tensions between both countries over territorial disputes.
- Diplomatic solutions are crucial to address border issues and maintain stability in the region.
Why In News
India took a strong stand against China’s controversial stapled visa policy by withdrawing its eight-athlete wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu. This decision sends a clear message about India’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of athletes, especially those hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, a region integral to the country’s sovereignty.
MCQs about Stapled Visas and Sovereignty Dispute
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What prompted India to withdraw its wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu?
A. China’s refusal to issue visas to Indian athletes
B. India’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh
C. China’s issuance of stapled visas to three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh
D. India’s disagreement with the McMahon Line
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What distinguishes stapled visas from regular visas?
A. Stapled visas are unstamped pieces of paper attached with pins, while regular visas are affixed and stamped.
B. Stapled visas are only issued to athletes, while regular visas are for tourists.
C. Stapled visas are permanent, while regular visas have an expiration date.
D. Stapled visas are for international travel, while regular visas are for domestic travel.
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What is the significance of passports and visas in relation to nation-states?
A. Passports grant citizenship to individuals.
B. Visas allow individuals to cross international borders without restrictions.
C. Passports and visas reinforce the idea of nation-state sovereignty and regulate border control.
D. Passports provide legal protection to travelers in foreign countries.
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Why does China issue stapled visas to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh?
A. To challenge India’s sovereignty claims over the region.
B. To encourage tourism between the two countries.
C. To expedite the visa issuance process.
D. To show solidarity with athletes from Arunachal Pradesh.
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