China builds villages near Doklam in Bhutan, satellite data reveals
Updated: Dec 18th, 2024
Satellite imagery shows China has built at least 22 villages and settlements near Doklam, which has traditionally been part of Bhutan, over the past eight years. Of these, eight villages have come up in areas close to the strategic Doklam plateau since 2020, as per the satellite imagery.
This development coincides with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with China to resolve issues related to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Meanwhile, China continues to plot strategies to assert its dominance over India. Over the past eight years, China has established 22 villages in the Doklam region.
Satellite images reveal that since 2020, China has constructed eight new villages and settlements near the Doklam plateau. These villages, located in Bhutan’s western region near Doklam, are claimed by China as its own, with many of them hosting military outposts. Among these 22 villages, the largest is called ‘Jiwu’.
China’s illegal occupation
China’s strengthened presence in Doklam poses a threat to the security of the Siliguri Corridor, a crucial link connecting mainland India to its northeastern states. The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet responded to these satellite images.
Notably, Bhutan has denied any such settlements by China, despite the satellite images showing the construction of villages near Bhutan’s borders.
According to a report by Robert Barnett, a research associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), China’s encroachments began in 2016, when China established its first village within Bhutanese territory.
Today, there are 22 villages and settlements, consisting of 2,284 houses and home to over 7,000 people.
However, in 2023, Bhutan’s former prime minister Lotay Tshering stated that there are no Chinese settlements in Bhutan, calling such claims false.
Also read:
China ‘ready to work with India’ says counterpart ahead of meeting with Ajit Doval
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