New Delhi:
China is increasingly pursuing a policy of encroaching on the land and resources of neighboring countries. China’s new victim is Bhutan.
According to a satellite image analysis by the news agency Reuters, China has accelerated the construction of more than 200 structures, including two-storied buildings, on its disputed border with Bhutan.
China is carrying out these construction activities at six places in the disputed border. Images and analyzes provided to Reuters by HawkEye-360, a US data analytics firm, confirm that China is building in disputed border areas with Bhutan.
HawkEye-360 uses satellite imagery to gather information about ground activities. Chris Biggers, Hawkeye-360’s mission application director, says China’s construction activities in some places along Bhutan’s western border have been going on since early 2020.
Materials provided by satellite imagery firm Capella Space and Planet Labs show that China is clearing disputed areas and building tracks.
Chris Biggers said that it is clear from the pictures that the work has accelerated since the year 2021. First small structures were built (possibly for building materials and supplies) then foundations were laid and then buildings were constructed.
All six settlements appear to be in disputed territory by China and Bhutan, said two other experts studying new construction sites and recently captured satellite images by Capella Space. It also includes a disputed area of about 110 square kilometers.
]]>
, International, ,