Alarm bells for India? China ramps up construction near Pangong Tso buffer zone, shows new satellite image

In a major development, a latest satellite image has revealed that China is constructing permanent structures near the buffer zone along the Ladakh border with India. While these structures are located within Chinese-held territory, their close proximity to Pangong Tso points to renewed assertiveness by Beijing following the 2020 Galwan clash in the region.

Geostrategic expert Damien Symon shared the satellite image on X. In his post, Symon said, "China is constructing new buildings near the military buffer zone with India at Pangong Tso. While the activity is within Chinese-held territory, it consolidates Beijing's physical presence post the 2020 border dispute and subtly recalibrates its territorial claims in the region."

Symon's post shows the area where China is constructing the buildings. The site is located near a pier and troop accommodation, close to the first PLA post beyond the buffer zone. A recent report by The Economist also talks about spike in the permanent structure by China in the region. The report said that Beijing is constructing infrastructure in the critical terrain at four times the pace of New Delhi.

Indian and Western officials say China has quietly de-escalated tensions since 2024 following a diplomatic breakthrough between New Delhi and Beijing.

A recent report by The Economist notes that a fragile calm now prevails along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Patrols have resumed, commanders on both sides are in regular contact, and there have even been instances of soldiers exchanging "waves." The easing of tensions was evident during Operation Sindoor, when India felt "confident enough to divert two brigades from the LAC to the border with Pakistan," a Western official told the publication.