Nestled deep in the majestic Himalayas, Qionglin New Village stands just a stone’s throw away from a region where tensions between Chinese and Indian forces have escalated, sparking concerns of a potential border conflict.
Once a desolate valley frequented only by local hunters, the landscape was transformed into Qionglin Village, a meticulously planned settlement with uniform homes and well-maintained roads, enticing residents from neighboring areas with financial incentives.
Referred to as “border guardians” by China’s leader, Xi Jinping, the villagers of Qionglin serve as the frontline defenders of China’s territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh, a contentious region that Beijing asserts belongs to Tibet under Chinese rule.
Similar villages have emerged across China, reinforcing its sovereignty in disputed border areas with India, Bhutan, and Nepal in the west, enhancing security and trade ties with Central Asia in the north, and combating illicit activities from Southeast Asia in the south.
Located 16 miles from India’s claimed border
Jiagang Village
Situated within Bhutan’s claimed territory
Gyalaphug (Jieluobu) Village
Fumin Village and Aimin Village
Sources: Jiagang Village – video still from CCTV (state media); Gyalaphug Village – local government of Luozha county, Shannan (Lhoka), Tibet Autonomous Region; Fumin Village and Aimin Village – Tian Shan Wang (state media); Shibanzhai – Hong He Daily (state media)
This strategic buildup underscores Mr. Xi’s use of civilian settlements to consolidate China’s control in remote border regions, mirroring tactics employed in the South China Sea with fishing militias and artificial islands.
The New York Times, in collaboration with RAIC Labs, meticulously analyzed satellite imagery to unveil China’s extensive network of border villages, reshaping its frontiers with calculated civilian outposts over a span of eight years.
By strategically placing villages near key Himalayan passes bordering India, Bhutan, and Nepal, China not only asserts its territorial presence but also establishes vital infrastructure for military operations, as highlighted by experts Matthew Akester and Robert Barnett.
Located within India’s claimed territory
Demchok (Dianjiao) Village
Source: China United Front News Network (state media)
While these outposts serve civilian purposes, they also offer strategic advantages to China’s military, including enhanced connectivity, access to resources, and rapid deployment capabilities along the border.
2024-08-10 15:28:09
Source from www.nytimes.com