India and China, both Asian superpowers, are in a constant state of tension regarding their border issues. Recently, China has been found to be constructing a new bridge on Pangong Tso, which will allow faster deployment of troops between the north and south banks of the lake, thereby escalating the situation. Meanwhile, India has also been pushing the boundaries by improving its border infrastructure.
The Background of India-China Standoff
The India-China military standoff can be traced back to May 2020. Since then, both nations have significantly improved their infrastructure along the entire frontier. In August 2020, India tactically captured the previously unoccupied Kailash Range heights on the south bank of Pangong Tso lake. This gave Indian troops control of strategic points such as Magar Hill, Gurung Hill, Rezang La, Rechin La and the ability to oversee the PLA garrison at Moldo.
Throughout these events, conflict escalated to the point where shots were fired by both sides, a first in four decades. The two countries endured the harsh winter months in these positions. Eventually, the significance of the areas forced China to negotiate a pullback.
China’s Construction of Bridge on Pangong Tso Lake
The bridge is being built more than 20 km east of Finger 8 on the lake’s north bank, an area India claims marks the LAC (Line of Actual Control). Pangong Tso, an endorheic lake stretching over 135 km, is largely under Chinese control. The lake’s north and south banks emerged as friction points after the start of the standoff.
Before the troops’ withdrawal in February 2021, the area witnessed massive mobilisation with both sides deploying tanks in close proximity. The bridge site is located just east of Khurnak Fort – a site historically part of India but under Chinese control since 1958. The LAC is considerably west from the Khurnak Fort, with disputed claims between Finger 4 and Finger 8.
China’s Strategic Plans
The construction of this bridge will drastically shorten a 180-kilometer loop from Khurnak to the south banks through Rudok. This will reduce the travel distance between Khurnak and Rudok to approximately 40-50 kilometers, enabling faster troop mobilization for China in the area. The objective is to preempt situations similar to the August 2020 debacle.
Implications for India
While the construction of the bridge lies within China’s territory, it has significant operational implications for the Indian Army which cannot ignore these developments. The increasing border infrastructure calls for revisions in India’s strategy across the India-China boundary (Eastern, Middle, and Western sectors). These include widening of roads, the creation of new roads and bridges, forward bases, airstrips, and more.
Infrastructure Improvements and Legislation Changes
Commencing on January 1st, 2022, a fresh Chinese law on land borders was enforced amidst the unresolved border standoff in eastern Ladakh. China also renamed several places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting its claim on the Indian state. Simultaneously, India has been upgrading its infrastructure near the border. The Border Roads Organisation completed over 100 projects in the border areas in 2021, many of which are located near the China border.
This constant tug-of-war and brinkmanship between India and China continue to shape the geopolitics of the region. With each side striving to assert dominance and secure strategic advantages, the border issue remains a critical concern.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024