Despite the disengagement of troops at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh in October 2024, China has persisted in strengthening its military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to defence sources, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains actively engaged in infrastructure development at multiple strategic locations along the border, stretching from eastern Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. This ongoing buildup includes the construction of roads, bunkers, and other military facilities, signalling sustained efforts to enhance operational readiness in the region.

A defence source told The Times of India (ToI), “The infrastructure development activities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are continuing at multiple locations along the LAC. In the east, for instance, it is happening in Rongto Chu and other valleys.”

The Yangtse region, a strategically significant area in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector, has witnessed heightened activity by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). India maintains a tactical advantage in the area by holding key high-ground positions along the ridgeline, providing clear visibility over Chinese deployments. In response, China has intensified its infrastructure development to bolster its presence.

According to defence sources, the PLA has constructed a concrete road extending from Tangwu’s dual-use Xiaokang border village towards the LAC, facilitating enhanced logistical support. Additionally, existing dirt tracks have been upgraded to enable faster troop mobilisation, further reinforcing China’s military preparedness along the border.

“Apart from new military camps and the concrete road constructed from its Tangwu dual-use Xiaokang border village towards the LAC in the area, the PLA has also upgraded a couple of dirt tracks there to ensure it can ‘surge’ troops in larger numbers if required,” a defence source stated.

A satellite imagery analyst, known as @NatureDesai on X, reported that China has been constructing two new roads in Yangtse during the winter months, including one from Lampug towards Tangwu, to provide alternate connectivity and higher ground access to its troops. “It will provide the PLA an unobstructed view of Indian ground lines of communication in the area,” the analyst noted.

In response to inquiries from The Times of India regarding China’s infrastructure expansion in the Yangtse region, an official Indian Army source confirmed that both India and China are continuing to develop infrastructure along the border in line with existing agreements. This ongoing development is part of the efforts by both nations to maintain operational preparedness and enhance connectivity in the region.

“Both China and India are undertaking infrastructure development all along the northern borders as per the guidelines enunciated in various agreements and protocols between the two countries,” the Army source stated.

He further added, “Any deviation from the agreements and protocols by the Chinese side, once observed, is being raised at appropriate levels during engagements through various existing mechanisms.”

China’s infrastructure expansion extends beyond Arunachal Pradesh, with similar developments observed along the entire 3,488-kilometre-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). This includes the western sector (Ladakh), central sector (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh), and eastern sector (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh). Reports highlight the construction of new roads, bridges, helipads, and gun positions, while PLA troops remain heavily deployed, accompanied by extensive weaponry.

According to defence sources, the PLA is prioritising last-mile connectivity in regions such as Tawang, Naku La in north Sikkim, and other areas in the eastern sector. Long-standing friction points, including Yangtse, Asaphila, and the Subansiri river valley in Arunachal Pradesh—areas that have traditionally been under Indian control—continue to be sources of tension between the two armies.

The latest round of diplomatic talks between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, held in Beijing, aimed at stabilising bilateral relations that have remained tense since the military standoff in eastern Ladakh more than four years ago. During the discussions, China emphasised the importance of properly managing differences and maintaining stability in their relations.

As a positive outcome, both sides agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and reinstate direct flights between the two nations. However, despite these diplomatic strides, China has not yet consented to broader troop de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The India-China border standoff, which began after the violent clashes in Galwan Valley in 2020, continues to persist. While disengagement has been achieved at certain friction points, such as Pangong Tso and Gogra-Hot Springs, tensions remain unresolved in areas like Depsang and Demchok. The December 2022 clashes in Yangtse further highlighted the fragility of the situation.

China’s hesitation to fully de-induct troops following disengagement has kept military tensions high, with both countries maintaining substantial deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Although the October 2024 disengagement at Depsang and Demchok has enabled the resumption of patrolling and grazing activities, broader de-escalation continues to be a point of contention.