According to satellite imagery, China is constructing a second bridge in an area held by it around the strategically key Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh and it could help the Chinese military to quickly mobilise its troops in the region.
However, there is no official reaction or comment by the Indian defence establishment on the new construction. It is said that China has recently completed the construction of the first bridge in an area that is over 20 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Damien Symon, a geospatial intelligence researcher, who keeps track of Chinese activities along the LAC, posted satellite images of the new construction on Twitter. Symon said a ‘larger bridge’ is being developed parallel to the first one, adding the likely aim of the construction is to ‘support larger/heavier movement’ (of the military) over the lake.
The satellite image posted by Symon noted that the bridge is being built from both sides simultaneously. The bridge is likely to cut the distance significantly from the depth area of Rudok to the region around the LAC in Pangong Tso.
India too has been constructing bridges, roads and tunnels in the border regions as part of overall efforts to enhance military preparedness. Both the countries have so far held 15 rounds of military talks to resolve the eastern Ladakh row.
