Troop buildup near Doklam increased in November-end, fresh satellite images show. ThePrint’s Shekhar Gupta and Manu Pubby discuss why there is a buildup of troops in the region.
A Chinese buildup of troops and military infrastructure near the contentious Doklam plateau has gained pace in November, with fresh satellite images showing new mortar positions, hardening of gun positions and evidence that more than 5,000 troops could be deployed within 5-10 km of the conflict point.
The buildup can be seen in latest satellite imagery of 3 December that has been accessed by ThePrint. The deployment seems to have increased since the resolution in August when both Indian and Chinese troops backed off from a road construction site in Doklam after a tense standoff that lasted more than two months.
The significant buildup is visible at several locations southwest of Yadong town, all within a 5-10 km aerial distance from the spot where Indian and Chinese troops had faced off earlier this year. This presence of almost nine battalions is in addition to the troops that China has deployed just 50 km behind in the Chumbi valley, as reported by ThePrint in October.
Over 300 heavy duty trucks, fresh tunneling into the mountains to set up gun positions and creation of several buildings to accommodate troops indicate a Chinese resolve to stay ready for action even through the winter.
Satellite images confirm that work is progressing at a feverish pace even in the winter. The images show at least nine three-storey buildings that are occupied and almost 300 large vehicles, suggesting that almost one division of troops are located in areas ahead of Yadong town.
Watch ThePrint’s Manu Pubby and Shekhar Gupta discuss the troop buildup:
Infrastructure developments
The People’s Liberation Army or PLA continues to develop infrastructure on a large scale in this area south and southwest of Yadong town.
The platoon and company posts have accommodation for more than a battalion of troops. The single-storey barracks have been replaced by massive three-storey buildings with possible underground and/or camouflaged parking.
The signal centre has been greatly improved with an earth receiving station, four large dish antennae, two huge aerials and a solid-wall fencing. It also has a slightly raised platform, possibly for future deployment of vehicle-based radars
Roads and tracks are being widened and developed all around. Large cranes, earth moving equipment and construction material can be seen almost everywhere. Certain areas defiladed from Indian defences are being leveled, probably for future constructions.
Troop buildup
There is also a massive buildup of troops just below the conflict area of Doklam. A large number of vehicles are seen parked near the riverside. In some areas, vehicles are seen hidden under camouflage nets. A number of tents have also been observed under camouflage nets.
A number of vehicles, including many small vehicles, are seen around the three-storey buildings, suggesting these buildings are also occupied.
Improvement of defences
The satellite images suggest that a continuous improvement of defensive positions has been on since June 2017. All previous posts and also the new positions have been connected with a maze of well dug communication trenches.
Most of the important positions have been afforded the protection of wire fences. Some posts can be seen to have infantry mortars positions.
At two places, mountain sides have been cut large enough to make gun positions, possibly for howitzers and/or multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRLs).
Hardening gun positions
The old gun position has been improved to harden the shelters for guns. The shelters have further been provided with a layer of compressed earthen protection. Moving into the gun pit or scooting from the gun position would now be very easy. A second position is being constructed, albeit at a slow pace, possibly not to give out the direction of fire.
The satellite images confirm that work is progressing at a feverish pace even in the winter months. An additional infantry mortar position has been created in the second half of November. A comparison of November and December images also suggests that the troop buildup increased at the end of November.
Only a mad dog, a weak one needs an ally, and a strong man does not need an ally. Our great Chinese beat the world on their own and maintain peace. We have not been afraid of any enemy after the founding of the people’s Republic, and have defeated all the enemies. And India, do you rely on your God or allies to fight us? Or depend on your talent: the whole day’s cowhide. Your mark is: it won’t, and that won’t. Is it going to take so long to make a tank and a plane? Lazy Indians can only dance.
Two pictures are fakes at least..
Don’t get too excited. India isn’t worried in the least. China is surrounded by 400 US military bases. American bases form a giant noose encircling china with missiles, bombers, warships-All the way from Australia through the Pacific to Asia & beyond. Two third of the US naval & Air Forces concentrate in indo-pacific, the biggest build up of military forces, clearly aims at China. US missiles are pointed at China from Okinawa to southern Korea. And in return china poses no demonstrable threat to US. There are no Chinese ships or bases close to US. Above all US warships will also be able to land in Taiwan soon. No one will come to china’s aid. While US has reliable allies like South Korea, Japan, India, Australia
thanks for your fyi most worrying is about Indian ally Russia .
That’s great news. As a Chinese I’m pretty happy India created the tension. Before that China was just building a simple road for occasional patrol. Now thanks for the conflict, we can finally build up a small fort(plus the road) fair and square. It’s Chinese territory ,if India feel unhappy and create more tension, we’ll definitely put more army there.
it shows China is afraid of india