TryGOLD- Free

China building villages near Doklam in Bhutan: Sat data
Hindustan Times Ludhiana|December 18, 2024
NEW DELHI: China has built at least 22 villages and settlements over the past eight years within territory that has traditionally been part of Bhutan, with eight villages coming up in areas in proximity to the strategic Doklam plateau since 2020, according to satellite imagery.
- Rezaul H Laskar
China building villages near Doklam in Bhutan: Sat data

The eight villages in Bhutan's western sector, close to Doklam, are all strategically located in a valley or a ridge overlooking a valley that China claims, and several are close to Chinese military outposts or bases.

The largest of the 22 villages detected by observers and researchers - Jiwu, built on a traditional Bhutanese pastureland known as Tshethangkha - is also located in the western sector.

The location of these villages has alarmed China watchers in New Delhi, especially since the strengthening of the Chinese position in this strategic region could increase the vulnerability of the Siliguri Corridor, or the so-called "chicken's neck", a narrow stretch of land connecting India's mainland to the northeastern states.

Doklam was the site of a 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in 2017, when New Delhi intervened to prevent the construction of a road and other facilities that would have given China access to the southern-most part of the plateau.

Though front line forces of both sides pulled back from the region at the end of the standoff, satellite images from recent years have shown stepped-up Chinese construction activity around Doklam.

There was no response from India's external affairs ministry for a request for comment on the development.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMES LUDHIANAView all
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

JACKKY CAN MAKE ME LAUGH

Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani look back on the year that changed their relationship status

time-read
1 min  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

Milind Soman: Even if I get $100 million, I won't do a paan masala ad

As someone who is big on fitness and believes in following a healthy lifestyle, actor-model Milind Soman (59) is working on \"creating a platform for indigenous sports\".

time-read
1 min  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

KOHLI CONFRONTS MEDIA OVER FAMILY PRIVACY IN MELBOURNE

India batter Virat Kohli was involved in a verbal exchange with a media person at the Melbourne Airport, upon arriving in Victoria ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

time-read
1 min  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

Ashwin's call and why retirement can be fresh start

Ashwin's sudden turn—midway through a Test series—has shocked everyone. It seems he ended his glorious spell angry/frustrated/disappointed; he wasn't central to the Indian team's plans anymore.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

ICC agrees on hybrid model, India to play CT games at a neutral venue

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday approved the hybrid model for next year's Champions Trophy, ending a month-long deadlock over the venue for the competition.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

Ashwin back home, says zero regrets on retirement

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin returned home to Chennai on Thursday morning one day after his retirement from international cricket midway through India's ongoing Test series against Australia.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

Ukraine peace deal: Putin says he's open for talks with Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he was ready for talks at \"any time\" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

US Fed Reserve sneezes, Indian markets catch cold

Desperation swept over global markets on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve indicated a slower easing of interest rates, sending Indian stocks lower for the fourth day in a row.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

FMCG firms may hike prices by 5% amid rising costs

Your next pack of cookies could be lighter than the one you got for the same price last time.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 20, 2024
Hindustan Times Ludhiana

Dealing with the Dragon

India-China ties show progress, but Delhi must not lose sight of Beijing's border ambitions

time-read
2 mins  |
December 20, 2024

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more