China building heliport near Arunachal Pradesh, barely 20 km from LAC

A recent satellite image has unveiled China’s construction of a new heliport near Arunachal Pradesh, located just 20 kilometers from the boundary with India. The heliport is being built in Nyingchi, southeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region, as reported by prominent OSINT analyst Damien Symon on X. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The new heliport is expected to enhance China's capability to rapidly deploy troops and improve its patrolling capabilities in the border areas. This construction aligns with China's broader strategy to bolster its military infrastructure in contested regions.

Despite efforts to ease strained relations between India and China, Beijing continues to fortify its military presence near the disputed border. In July last year, reports indicated that the PLA was building a helipad opposite the Kameng area of Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen its infrastructure along the LAC.

Additionally, recent reports have suggested that PLA troops allegedly crossed into Indian territory in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh and set up camp in the Kapapu area. Social media has circulated images of bonfires, painted rocks, and Chinese food materials found at the site. In response to these reports, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that markings in undemarcated areas do not necessarily indicate encroachment.

The construction of the heliport and the reported incidents highlight the ongoing complexities and sensitivities in the India-China border situation.