New Delhi: New satellite imagery has revealed the rapid construction of a large Chinese settlement near the north bank of Pangong Tso Lake, fueling concerns amid ongoing efforts to ease India-China border tensions. The settlement, located around 38 kilometers east of a previous 2020 standoff point, lies beyond Indias territorial claims but is strategically significant.Settlement spanning 17 hectaresCaptured on October 9 by Maxar Technologies, the satellite images show the settlement covering approximately 17 hectares, with over 100 structures under construction. According to Professor Y Nithiyanandam of the Takshashila Institution, the buildings range from residential accommodations to administrative facilities. The sites design, with staggered rows of buildings, suggests it could serve dual purposes—both civilian and military.New satellite imagery has revealed the rapid construction of a large Chinese settlement near the north bank of Pangong Tso Lake, fueling concerns amid ongoing efforts to ease India-China border tensions. The settlement, located around 38 kilometers east of a previous 2020 standoff point, lies beyond Indias territorial claims but is strategically significant. Captured on October 9 by Maxar Technologies, the satellite images show the settlement covering approximately 17 hectares, with over 100 structures under construction. According to Professor Y Nithiyanandam of the Takshashila Institution, the buildings range from residential accommodations to administrative facilities. The sites design, with staggered rows of buildings, suggests it could serve dual purposes—both civilian and military.Strategic and military concerns raises Military analysts have noted the settlements strategic location behind high peaks, which shields it from ground surveillance, and speculated that it could serve as an ad-hoc forward base for Chinese forces. Its proximity to Pangong Tso adds further strategic depth, potentially enhancing Chinas military capabilities in the region. Meanwhile, some observers, like Nature Desai, argue that the settlement might be intended for Tibetan nomads rather than military use. The sites location, identified as Changzun Nuru, a historic Tibetan campsite, suggests a long-term Chinese government initiative to settle nomadic communities in permanent housing.China Releases New Video Of 2020 India China Clash At Pangong Tso Finger 4 pic.twitter.com/P3cxoNLLyr— Technical Astra (@kishanchand_89) May 15, 2024Military analysts have noted the settlements strategic location behind high peaks, which shields it from ground surveillance, and speculated that it could serve as an ad-hoc forward base for Chinese forces. Its proximity to Pangong Tso adds further strategic depth, potentially enhancing Chinas military capabilities in the region. Meanwhile, some observers, like Nature Desai, argue that the settlement might be intended for Tibetan nomads rather than military use. The sites location, identified as Changzun Nuru, a historic Tibetan campsite, suggests a long-term Chinese government initiative to settle nomadic communities in permanent housing.
