The Chinese have already built a small bridge in the area a month ago. Reports suggest they are building another bridge to cut the distance between Khurnak fort and Rudok
China’s second bridge on Pangong Tso Source: Twitter @detresfa_
Highlights: ·
• China is going to build a bigger bridge to move more troops, armoured columns and equipment through Pangong Tso.
• PLA has also built numerous roads for quicker access to the southern bank of the lake. Move comes in response to India’s capturing the dominating heights in the southern bank of Pangong Tso in August 2020.
• PLA has already completed a smaller bridge this month. Sources suggest they may use to build a bigger bridge. ·
In January 2022, the Chinese completed a bridge in Pangong Tso amidst joint Sino-Indian talks for de-escalation . Recent satellite image suggests that they are using it as a service road in order to construct a second bridge. According to the news website the Print, China had constructed a bridge to cut down 180 kms loop from Khurnak to the south bank via Rudok. The second bridge, if completed would enable the movement of armoured columns and troops. It would also create a shorter and more direct route to Finger-8 area on the north of the lake. The area is also known as a buffer zone between them and Indians. According to Indians, Finger-8 is the Actual Line of Control. Sources in the defence establishment say that the bridge is being built in response to the Indian Army capturing the dominating heights in the southern banks of the lake.
Sino-Indian Negotiations Till Now:
In August 2020, the Indian Army had unnerved the Chinese by taking the southern bank when the PLA deployed forces in the north banks. The government ruled out any premature withdrawal from the south bank. As a result, India had bargaining power in the negotiations that were one-sided till August.
So far, the 15th round of negotiations have failed to bring any de-escalation of Chinese military build up in the area. Both sides agreed to maintain security and stability on ground till the resolution of the impasse in Eastern Ladakh.However, any mutual withdrawal from the “Hot Springs” area was ruled out on both sides. Today’s developments still negate the possibility of any amicable solution to the dispute. So far the government or the armed forces does not foresee fighting the Chinese along the Line of Actual Control. However, they don’t rule out a “muscular response” if push comes to a shove.
China is Building bridges and Roads in Pangong.
The PLA is also in the process of building a road to and from the bridge. It may also add newer route for even quicker deployment of military personnel. Sources concede that the Chinese are quick in learning their lessons and taking remedial measures. Multiple roads would enable them to respond quickly and scale up their presence in the area. During the military standoff in September 2020 and mod 2021, they had even built a road to Moldo garrison. This would have enabled them to circumvent Indian vigilance on top of advantageous heights. The earlier bridge in Pangong Tso is capable of moving limited number of troops and vehicles in the area, the new bridge is going to be bigger and wider. Since China has raised its stakes so far, it has also compelled India to develop its own infrastructure in the area.
Lt. General Manoj Pande had observed in October 2021 that India too is building its own roads, railway lines, airfields etc. He simultaneously ruled out any disparity in terms of infrastructure. After building a big second bridge in the area, it seems highly unlikely that China intends to step away anytime soon.
(Inputs, the Print, Deccan Herald and Indian Express)
Read More – India is about to deploy S-400 missiles against China and pak
