Ladakh: China Backstabs India Again, Builds New Bunkers At Pangong Tso

New Delhi: Despite its new found rapprochement with India amidst trade tensions with the US, China's activities against Indian interests continue unabated. 

What do Ladakh photos reveal?

New high-resolution satellite imagery has revealed that China is steadily strengthening its permanent military presence in the disputed Pangong Tso lake area of eastern Ladakh and constructing permanent structures in the region. This recent satellite imagery has revealed that new permanent military structures are being built by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China very close to Pangong Lake, which is clearly visible in the images.

The area where the permanent construction is taking place is near the Sirijap post, which has been under Chinese control since the 1962 war. However, India still considers this area part of its territory. The imagery clearly shows that the new permanent buildings are being constructed just a few meters from the lake, which could allow the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) to deploy more resources very close to the existing buffer zone.

What are Chinese construction in recent years?

It is worth noting that China had developed a road network in this area in 2013, which was previously used by both Indian and Chinese troops for patrolling. However, since the military clash in May 2020, Indian patrols have not been allowed access to this area. 

It is also noteworthy that since the 2020 clash, temporary structures for soldiers, boats, and a pier for crossing the lake were being used. However, satellite images from December 28, 2025, released by the space intelligence firm 'Vantor', clearly show new construction sites along with the temporary camps.

What are Indian Army’s preparations for winter?

These preparations are believed to have been made by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in view of the approaching winter. The boats that were visible in the lake in images from June 2 of last year are now seen covered and parked away from the water. 

This is believed to have been done keeping in mind the freezing of the lake during winter. According to experts, the pace of construction accelerated in the second half of 2025, and several permanent structures are clearly visible in the December images.

Are India-China ties under strain?

The past year has seen some improvement in India-China relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China after seven years to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. 

In addition, direct flights between the two countries resumed. While there has been talk of "disengagement" (de-escalation) from all friction points in eastern Ladakh, the recent imagery and the signals emanating from it still raise doubts about China's intentions.

Why is India's position weakening?

"This Chinese construction near Pangong Lake is part of its strategy of establishing a permanent presence by building permanent structures. This project is outside the 2020 disengagement zone and strengthens its year-round military operational capabilities," Damien Symon, a geospatial researcher at The Intel Lab, was quoted as saying by the media. 

“Even though the area is currently under Chinese control, it falls within the disputed territory claimed by India, and such construction weakens India's position,” he added.