Even as there appears to be some sort of thaw in the tenuous ties between India and China, with both sides agreeing to disengage troops at various locations along the border, reports suggest that China is building up military might near the Line of Actual Control in the easternmost corner of Arunachal Pradesh, known as the 'Fishtails'.
Prominent open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst Damien Symon took to X to publish satellite imagery of China constructing a new heliport near Arunachal ‘Fishtails’ sector, just 20 kilometers from the Indian border.
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This facility will help China mobilise troops rapidly to forward positions and boost border patrols.
China is constructing a new heliport near Arunachal Pradesh's ‘Fishtails’ sector, merely 20 kilometers from the Indian border, this facility will likely enhance China’s ability to swiftly mobilize troops to forward positions & would improve its border patrols pic.twitter.com/xpSSQGLkS4
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) September 16, 2024
This is China's latest attempt to strengthen infrastructure along its borders with India. A few days ago, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said in Geneva that nearly 75 per cent of the disengagement problems with China have been sorted out, but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.
According to media reports, the heliport is being constructed at Nyingchi Prefecture in the southeastern part of Tibet Autonomous Region. Fish Tail-I and II border the region. There has been frequent patrolling by both Indian and Chinese forces at the Fish Tail-II region.
The construction of the heliport is said to have begun after December 1, 2023.
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Reports have suggested that as part of the process of ramping up the infrastructure along the borders, China has constructed over 10 helipads near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). These will help China ensure rapid deployment and logistical support for its troops in the forward region.
China is particularly focusing on the strategically significant Chip Chap sector of Patrol Point 13 and the Hot Springs and Gogra regions.
New Delhi has always said India's relationship with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.
