In the mist-shrouded Himalayas, a remote village named Demalong has emerged as a focal point of territorial dispute between China and Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet, this village is part of a series of Chinese settlements that encroach upon the border shown on official maps of Bhutan.
China's construction activities in the region have been on the rise, with the government incentivizing hundreds of people to settle in this disputed territory. The development of resettlement houses and infrastructure signifies China's efforts to assert control over the area, which is strategically important for its national security.
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom with a population of fewer than 1 million, has never formally agreed on a border with China. The ongoing border talks between the two nations have been inconclusive for decades, with India also playing a significant role as Bhutan's close ally and regional rival to China.
Recent research conducted by experts reveals that China has been constructing numerous 'cross-border villages' and settlements in northeast Bhutan and the western region near the disputed border with India. These developments underscore China's broader strategy to solidify its territorial claims and enhance its influence in the region.
The escalating tensions in the Himalayan region have drawn international attention, particularly due to the 2017 Doklam standoff between Indian and Chinese troops near Bhutan's western border. The unresolved border disputes and military build-up in the area have raised concerns about the potential for conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
China's construction of 'xiaokang villages' along its borders, including in the Jakarlung valley, reflects President Xi Jinping's vision to strengthen control over disputed territories and bolster national security. These civilian settlements serve as a means to assert China's presence in border regions and counterbalance India's strategic partnerships in Bhutan.
As the geopolitical dynamics in the Himalayas continue to evolve, the construction of Chinese villages in disputed territories remains a contentious issue that underscores the complex interplay of national interests and territorial claims in the region.
