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The article highlights a new Chinese military base being constructed on the North bank of Pangong Lake, a strategically important area bordering India. This base, unlike any other on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), is a significant development and raises concerns for India. The base features over 70 permanent structures and is strategically located 36 kilometers East of the LAC and 15 kilometers East of a recently constructed Chinese bridge across the Pangong Lake. This base, according to military experts, serves a dual purpose: to accommodate soldiers and porters involved in China's construction activities and to store logistics for potential transfer to locations along the LAC. The site's strategic positioning and its substantial infrastructure suggest a potential threat to India's security.
The construction of the base has sparked concern among Indian military officials, who view it as a move by China to assert its presence and potentially strengthen its position in the disputed border region. Lt. General DS Hooda, a retired Northern Army Commander, highlights the dual-use nature of the site, stating that while China may claim it is only improving facilities for civilian populations, the infrastructure can be easily utilized by the military in the event of a conflict. Furthermore, Lt. General Hooda points out that the site's construction contravenes a 2005 agreement between India and China, as it establishes a civilian presence in areas claimed by India where previously none existed. This move, according to Hooda, is a long-term strategy by China to solidify its claims and weaken India's negotiating position.
India, in response to China's recent developments, has been actively enhancing its own infrastructure along the border. The article mentions India's Vibrant Villages programme, a comprehensive development initiative aimed at bolstering infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and cultural preservation in villages along the Northern border. This program, with a budget of Rs 4,800 crore, aims to develop 2,967 villages and is seen as a strategic move to maintain a strong Indian presence and act as a deterrent against any territorial encroachment. While India's Ministry of External Affairs has refrained from specifically addressing China's new construction activity, it is clear that India is taking proactive steps to secure its borders and counter China's growing influence in the region.
Source: Satellite Pics: China's New Base Near Pangong Lake "Unlike Any Other Site"