By Tenzin Nyidon
China has completed the construction of a bridge across Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh, as revealed by the latest satellite images shared by satellite imagery expert Damien Symon on X (formerly Twitter).
Symon, known for sharing numerous satellite images of China’s construction activities across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), described the latest image: “The new bridge is nearly ready, with its surface recently asphalted (blacktopped). This bridge enhances the Chinese forces’ mobility in the area, allowing quicker access to conflict zones and Indian positions around the lake.”
In January 2022, China’s People Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly constructed a bridge over Pangong Lake within its territory in Khurnak, the narrowest part of the lake. This bridge significantly reduced the travel distance from Khurnak to the southern banks of Pangong Lake via Rudok, cutting down a 180 km detour to a mere 40-50 km.
The bridge, which eliminates a 180 km detour between the northern and southern banks, reportedly enables the Chinese to transport heavier war-fighting equipment to the finger areas on the northern bank of Pangong Tso. According to a report from Swarajya Magazine, India asserts that the bridge is merely 25 km from Sirijap, located just east of the Finger 8 areas along the LAC, which India claims as its territory.
The 135-km long Pangong Tso, a landlocked lake straddling the Ladakh region and Tibet has been a focal point of tensions between India and China since May 2020. The situation at Pangong Lake intensified following the initial standoff on the LAC in May 2020 and a subsequent clash in June 2020.
In response, numerous diplomatic meetings have taken place between New Delhi and Beijing. Despite these efforts, reports indicate no progress on India’s demand for China to withdraw its troops from the standoff areas in eastern Ladakh. Meanwhile, India has been enhancing its military logistics by constructing roads, bridges, tunnels, airfields, and helipads. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs. 3,611 crore in 2023-24.
