COURTESY HT NOV 19

China adds troops, builds new roads in Aksai Chin
Shishir Gupta

letters@hindustantimes.com

New Delhi : Reinforcements of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) posts, relocation of troops, and rapid strengthening of road infrastructure across the friction points in occupied Aksai Chin over the past 30 days – all clearly indicate that China is preparing for a long haul along the 3,488km Line of Actual Control (LAC) , keeping up the pressure on India even as the two countries talk disengagement and de-escalataion.

The ninth round of the India-China military dialogue on disengagement and de-escalation is expected to take place soon.

According to senior military commanders, PLA is constructing more than 10 dugouts each at Samar Lungpa, 30km east of Karakoram Pass; and at Mount Sajum, south of Rechin La.

It is also increasing troop deployment at Qizil Jilga, 70km east of Daulet Beg Oldi (DBO). India and China have major differences on their respective perceptions of the LAC at these points, as noted during the failed exchange of maps on June 17, 2002. This difference is as significant as 176 sq-km at Samar Lungpa, and 129 sq-km at Mount Sajum.

China is also undertaking strategic road construction for faster deployment on LAC