New Delhi: China has this week activated its second runway at Hotan in occupied East Turkestan, now Xinjiang, which will allow it to boost the induction of troops and equipment into the restive region, it is learnt.
Sources in the defence and security establishment confirmed that the latest satellite imagery has shown the second airstrip is active in Hotan, the closest Chinese base to Eastern Ladakh.
This information was brought to public attention by satellite imagery expert Damien Symon, who goes by his popular handle _Detresfa on X.
Almost 4 years after it began construction, the second runway at Hotan Airbase now appears operational, pivotal in supporting #China's aerial operations near #Ladakh this site has undergone infrastructural improvements aimed at boosting operational capability & efficacy pic.twitter.com/ZVm6TVYkt7
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) April 8, 2024
Sources said that while the air strip has been activated, no drastic induction was seen.
However, they admitted this would allow the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and their air force (PLAAF) to operate if need be.
They also pointed out that India has too ramped up its military facilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, including construction of a full-fledged base in Nyoma, work on which is already in full swing.
According to Symon, the second runway is longer than the original and is about 3,700 metres long.
A number of military buildings and aprons have also come up along with the new runway.
The Hotan airbase plays a critical role in Chinese military operations amid tension between India and China.
“This strategic airbase hosts a variety of aircraft, including the J-11, 3-20, UAVs, AEW&C, and EW platforms,” he said.
He added since 2020, the Chinese have focussed on upgrades aimed at enhancing its military capabilities.
These upgrades include enhancement, munitions storage facilities both on and off-site, and auxiliary support structures.
Sources pointed out that the Chinese have built underground fortified bunkers and infrastructure besides what is seen by the satellites.
Symon said the new runway would enable an increase in sortie rates, alleviate congestion in case of new unit assignments, and facilitate quicker turnaround time for detachments engaged in conflict operations.
Just like India, China has focussed on ramping up its capabilities since military tension broke out between the two countries in 2020.
China has undertaken expansion of airfields, helipads, railway network, roads, bridges and infrastructure aimed at the rapid deployment of troops and establishing multiple offensive capabilities.
Besides Hotan, Chinese have also carried out extensive upgrades at their airports in Ngari Gunsa, and Lhasa to cater to the military.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
It is all in preparation for a surprise attack. Necessary to be prepared in all aspects.