India-China border face-off: Significant Chinese buildup emerges at Depsang plains

NEW DELHI: A significant Chinese buildup at the Depsang plains, which lie close to the Daulat Beg Oldie airfield, has emerged as another area of concern amid the current standoff in eastern Ladakh.

The Chinese have violated the Indian perception of LAC in Depsang by moving in troops and building a considerable strength close to the area with tanks and artillery, sources said. The buildup is of particular concern as China claims an area of about 20 km inside the Indian territory.

Sources said Chinese deployments are now well within the Indian side of LAC and at least two roads are rapidly being constructed for fast movement of troops.


The location is also strategic as Chinese side can use its units there to interdict and cut off road access to the DBO airfield as well as the Karakoram pass. Indian territory under threat includes the camp at Burtse and the Raki Nalla area while the buildup has been observed at a feature known as bottleneck, sources said.

In 2013, a three-week standoff took place at the Depsang plain after a Chinese platoon set up a camp near Raki Nalla. This was a surprise for India as this disputed area — where the LAC difference ranges from 15-20 km — had been patrolled by both sides in the past. The Chinese side agreed to withdraw after weeks of flag meetings. Since then, India has completed its road to DBO and beyond, increasing the strategic value of the location.