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The discovery of a new Chinese settlement near the northern banks of Pangong Tso, a strategically important lake in the Himalayas, has reignited tensions between India and China. The settlement, which features over 100 buildings spread across 17 hectares, is located just 38 kilometers from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two countries. This development comes at a time when both nations are engaged in diplomatic negotiations to ease tensions in eastern Ladakh, a region that has been a flashpoint for conflict since 2020.
The settlement, built in a valley surrounded by tall peaks, is believed to serve both military and logistical functions. Its proximity to key points along the LAC, including one of the 2020 standoff points between Indian and Chinese armies, has raised serious concerns in New Delhi. Experts suggest that the settlement could be a forward base or housing for personnel, with a 150-meter-long strip potentially designed for helicopter operations. The staggered layout of the buildings may also be designed to minimize vulnerability to long-range attacks.
The construction of the new settlement is not an isolated event. It follows a pattern of Chinese infrastructure development in the region since the April 2020 standoff, which saw violent clashes between Indian and Chinese troops. In recent years, China has significantly ramped up its infrastructure along the LAC, including the construction of roads, bridges, and now, settlements. One of the most notable projects is the bridge over Pangong Tso, completed in July 2024, which has significantly reduced travel time for Chinese military forces between key bases.
India has not been idle in response to these developments. In recent years, New Delhi has significantly ramped up its own border infrastructure along the LAC, including the construction of roads, bridges, and tunnels. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has completed 125 infrastructure projects in 2023-24 alone, and the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel, expected to be the world’s highest, is set to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. India has also launched the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to develop border villages across the northern frontier, with a budget of ₹4,800 crore allocated until 2026.
While diplomatic efforts to resolve the standoff continue, the rapid pace of Chinese infrastructure development raises concerns about the long-term stability of the region. As both nations continue to strengthen their positions, the likelihood of future confrontations cannot be ruled out. The Indian government has yet to officially comment on the new settlement, but military experts and strategic analysts are closely monitoring the situation. The ongoing tensions highlight the complexities of the India-China border dispute and the potential for further escalation if diplomatic solutions are not found.
Source: After bridge, a new Chinese settlement near Pangong lake: What we know so far