Satellite images show China’s new base near Pangong Lake, over 70 structures found
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New Delhi: A new Chinese base on the North bank of the Pangong Lake, lying on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual control, has built for the dual-use of military and civilian purpose, NDTV reported citing military source.
The site is reportedly located 36 kilometres East of the LAC on a territory that China holds, which sits nearly 15 km East of a new bridge that the neighouring country built across Pangong Lake in Ladakh.
The bridge, according to the report, was built as part of Beijing’s move to step up pressure in previously unoccupied areas near the Line of Actual Control.
Analysing the image, Lt. General DS Hooda (retired), the former Northern Army Commander reportedly said that the site under construction has dual uses as it will enable china to claim it is only improving facilities for civilians while the military could utilize the dual-use infrastructure in military conflict.
After analyzing the satellite image of the base, Senior Indian military sources reportedly said that the site ''is unlike any other site'' as it lies on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual control.
More than 70 permanent structures are dispersed over a wide area in the site in order to reduce ‘potential impact of missile attacks’, according to military source.
Military experts say that ‘each structure can accommodate 6-8 soldiers or up to 10 tonnes of logistics’ including artillery shells.
Meanwhile, the geospatial imagery expert Damien Symon said that evidences such as heavy machinery including cranes indicate that a major development initiative is underway in this village.
Lt. General Hooda reportedly said that creating villages in areas, claimed by India, with no settled population, China was trying to strengthen its claim while weakening India’s bargaining position.
The outlet reported that the site was clear in April 2022, suggesting that the construction in the area started in March 2024.
Meanwhile, India also increased infrastructural development along the China frontier, NDTV reported adding that India built roads, tunnels and other military facilities.
These are part of India’s efforts to ensure that Indian forces are well-equipped and able to quickly respond to challenges from Chinese actions along the LAC.