New Delhi, 12th January 2022: China has accelerated the construction of more than 200 structures, including two-story buildings, along its disputed border with Bhutan, according to satellite image analysis.
China is fast moving forward on the policy of encroaching on the land and resources of neighboring countries. Bhutan has become the new victim of China.
China is carrying out these construction works at six places on the disputed border. Images and analysis provided to Reuters by American data analytics firm HawkEye-360 show that China is carrying out construction work in the disputed border areas with Bhutan.
The HawkEye-360 uses satellite images to gather intelligence on-ground activities. Chris Biggers, mission application director of Hawkeye-360, says “China’s construction activities in some places along the western border of Bhutan have been going on since the beginning of the year 2020. Materials provided by satellite imagery firm Capella Space and Planet Labs show China clearing disputed areas and building tracks.”
Chris Biggers said, “it is clear from the pictures that work has accelerated from the year 2021. First small structures were built (possibly for building materials and supplies) followed by foundations and then buildings.”
Two other experts who studied the sites of new construction and recent satellite images taken by Capella Space said, “all six settlements appeared to be in areas disputed by China and Bhutan. It also includes a disputed area of about 110 square kilometers. The population in this area is negligible.”
The news agency Reuters spoke to Bhutan’s Foreign Ministry on this issue. Bhutan’s foreign ministry told Reuters, “the country’s policy is that the government should not discuss border issues with the public.” Thereafter, the ministry declined to comment further.
At the same time, experts and a defense source in India say, “China’s recent build-up shows that it is intent on resolving its border claims by solidifying its ambitions.”
China’s Foreign Ministry said, “the recent constructions are purely to improve the living conditions of the local people. It is in the interest of China’s sovereignty to carry out normal construction activities in its region.”
Experts say “the settlements established by China give it strategic strength. The new construction is nine to 27 km from the Doklam area at the junction of the borders of India, Bhutan, and China where Indian and Chinese troops had been at a standoff for more than two months in 2017”.