China Maintains Force Presence and Infrastructure Along India’s Border: Pentagon Report

According to a report by the Pentagon, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has continued to maintain a constant force presence and infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India following the 2020 clash between the two nations. In 2022, China expanded its military infrastructure along the LAC, which includes underground storage facilities near Doklam, new roads in all three sectors of the LAC, and new villages in disputed areas near Bhutan.

Furthermore, China constructed a second bridge over Pangong Lake, developed a dual-purpose airport in the center sector, and established multiple helipads. In the western sector, China deployed one border regiment supported by two divisions of Xinjiang and Tibet Military Districts with four combined arms brigades (CAB) in reserve.

In the eastern sector, China deployed up to three light-to-medium CABs from other theater commands, and an additional three CABs in the central sector of the LAC. While some elements withdrew, most of the deployed forces remain in place along the LAC, the report noted. The standoff between Chinese and Indian forces in 2020 triggered a buildup of forces on both sides of the disputed border.