Big concern for India as China is building new air defence site near Pangong Lake; Satellite images reveal alarming details, 110 kms from..

China is secretly constructing defense structures at a site near Tibet’s Pangong Lake.

The tension between India and China seemed to dissolve with the resumption of flights from Shanghai to Delhi starting on November 9. However, a new report has alarmed everyone and threatens to reignite tensions between the two major economic countries. According to FirstPost, new satellite images indicate that China is secretly constructing defense structures at a site near Tibet’s Pangong Lake. The site is alarmingly close to one of the locations where the Indian and Chinese militaries clashed in 2020.

This action highlights China’s ongoing effort to strengthen its foothold along the India-China border. It occurs as both countries are trying to move toward normalization and stabilization in their bilateral relationship.

What kind of structures are being built at the site?

According to the Satellite imagery provided by the OSINT arm at India Today and US-based space intelligence company called Vantor, as cited by FirstPost, revealed the presence of command and control buildings, barracks, vehicle sheds, munition storage, and radar positions around the eastern shore of Pangong Lake. The camp is located about 110 km from the positions where Indian and Chinese forces faced off during the Galwan Valley standoff in 2020.

Defense analysts have pointed out an especially remarkable aspect of the sites, consisting of several covered missile launch facilities that possess what appears to be retractable or sliding roofs. Analysts speculate that these sites are built to accommodate Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles that transport, raise, and launch missiles.

Why is the site considered significant in the context of the 2020 Galwan clash?

Media reports suggest that these facilities seem to be built to accommodate two TEL vehicles each, which would allow their movement to remain hidden until launch. Experts from the U.S.-based geospatial intelligence company AllSource Analysis believe that these sites could also be outfitted with China’s long-range HQ‑9 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, which is modeled on Russia’s S-300, with sophisticated radar tracking and guidance. Parts of the facility located west of Pangong Lake are still under construction.

Where exactly is the new Chinese facility located?

A parallel complex has been recognized at Gar County, some 65 kilometres from the Line Of Actual Control (LAC) and directly opposite Nyoma airfield. The strategically significant Mudh airfield at 13,710 feet (one of the highest in the world) was recently upgraded at Rs 230 crore by the Border Roads Organization (BRO).