Chinese villages and bridge near Doklam borders, satellite images out; Keeping constant watch, says India

NEW DELHI: Reports suggest that China has constructed a new village near Doklam borders. The Chinese construction activities are reportedly taking place around 9 km east of Doklam plateau. Currently, it is the third village in the area. As seen from the satellite images, works are in progress in the region.

For India, the construction along Amo Cho river could result in the Chinese forces gaining access to the strategic ridge in the adjacent Doklam plateau. A bridge has also been constructed across the river.

Meantime, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the government has taken measures accordingly. “Please be assured that the government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard the same”, he said.

The news was reported by NDTV based on the images released by Maxar Technologies. In the images, vehicles are visible parked alongside structures, indicating that the villages are fully inhabited.

After the border dispute between India and China deepened in 2017, China had escalated the construction activities along the border. The newly constructed bridge could provide them a direct line-of-sight to India’s Siliguri corridor, which connects the north-eastern states with the rest of the country, adding to India’s concern.