Two years after Doklam standoff in the Indo-China border over Chinese construction of a road in the area, Chinese construction and troop-movement activities have been reported again in the Doklam
Plateau region in western Bhutan.
The Chinese construction and troop-movement activities have been reported following analysis of satellite images by ThePrint.
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In 2017, the Doklam standoff made headlines following military standoff that occurred between the Indian Armed Forces and the People’s Liberation Army of China over Chinese construction of a road in Doklam near a trijunction border area, known as Donglang, or Donglang Caochang (meaning Donglang pasture or grazing field), in Chinese.
The military standoff in 2017 in the tri-junction area with Bhutan continued for 72 days.
The crisis began after Indian troops crossed over to stop the construction of the road by the Chinese.
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India opposed the construction of the road which could enable the Chinese military to move their vehicles to South Doklam providing their easy access to the Jampheri ridge that overlooks the strategic Siliguri corridor.
The standoff which drew attention of all across the globe saw both the Indian and Chinese military troops moving heavy weaponry, including missile and tanks units to forward areas.
After 72 days of crisis, Beijing and New Delhi decided to pull back troops from the point of contention after coming into an understanding that status quo be maintained.
However, the latest satellite images accessed by ThePrint show new Chinese construction and movement of troops of the neighbouring country in Doklam region.
According to ThePrint, analysis of its satellite images show movement of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army up to YaTong and Tsona sectors.
It has been reported that analysis of the satellite images of the YaTong and Tsona sectors reveal construction of storage structures and a heliport and possibly hangars for helicopters and several “semi-permanent structures” for “accommodating troops and other supporting equipment.”
According to the report, a “new road has been constructed to the west of the Torsa river below the
plateau.”
Lt Gen H S Panag (R) while sharing the news on his Twitter handle also stated: “Near Doklam, China is again increasing forces, building roads & even a possible heliport”.
Near Doklam, China is again increasing forces, building roads & even a possible heliport https://t.co/3PJXXK17gZ
— Lt Gen H S Panag(R) (@rwac48) April 2, 2019