China’s construction activities on Pangong Tso

In the last two months, it has been observed that China is building a bridge connecting the northern and southern banks of Pangong Lake.

The construction of this bridge is being done on the Chinese side. However, it is 25-30 km away from India’s claim of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The bridge connects the north and south shores of Pangong Lake, giving the Chinese military quick access to both sides.

In August 2020, India had captured major heights on the Kailash Range on the southern coast. This provided a strategic advantage to the troops. India had retreated from the heights following a “mutual pullback plan” to ease tensions.

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The construction of this bridge is important, as this bridge will facilitate quick induction as it will reduce the distance and time taken to reach the disputed areas on Pangong Lake. This will connect the two sides and thus allow the Chinese army to have easy access from both sides to counter any threat.

On January 1, 2021, China implemented its new border law. The new law calls for strengthening its border defence, infrastructure and development of villages near borders.

It also sets out the conditions under which emergency measures can be taken in border areas.