In a new development, China has constructed at least 22 villages within Bhutanese territory, including eight strategically located near the Doklam plateau, according to satellite data. These settlements have emerged over the past eight years, with construction accelerating in recent years, particularly since 2020. The presence of these villages in Bhutan’s western sector has raised alarms, particularly as some are situated close to key Chinese military bases.
The villages, which have been built on ridges or valleys that China claims, are located within a 36km stretch running from north to south. Some settlements are in proximity to military outposts, increasing concerns regarding the vulnerability of the Siliguri Corridor — a narrow strip of land connecting India’s northeastern states to the mainland.
Doklam, the region where the 2017 India-China military standoff took place, remains a focal point of the territorial dispute. The construction of Chinese villages in this area has been perceived as an attempt to solidify China’s hold over the strategically important plateau. The largest village, Jiwu, was built on Tshethangkha, a traditional Bhutanese pastureland. Satellite images suggest that China’s military presence in the area has also grown.
The Chinese government has made incremental territorial gains in Bhutan since 2016, building settlements that have housed nearly 7,000 people. These villages are connected by roads to Chinese towns, and many are now being upgraded to towns. However, Bhutan’s response to these developments has been mixed, with the country’s authorities publicly denying the presence of Chinese settlements on Bhutanese land.
While Bhutanese officials have not officially commented on the latest satellite findings, former Prime Minister Lotay Tshering downplayed the presence of these facilities in Bhutan, stating that they were not in Bhutanese territory. This contradicts a report by Robert Barnett, a researcher at the School of Oriental and African Studies, who detailed how China has annexed approximately 825 sq km of Bhutanese land, representing more than 2% of Bhutan’s total area.
Experts in international relations, such as Ashok Kantha, who served as India’s envoy to China, argue that the creation of these settlements violates the peace and tranquility agreement signed between China and Bhutan in 1998. The agreement, which mandates the maintenance of the status quo on the boundary, prohibits either country from taking unilateral actions that could alter the territorial situation. Kantha believes that China’s actions in Bhutan reflect a broader strategy of “changing facts on the ground,” reminiscent of its approach in the South China Sea, where it has constructed and militarized artificial islands.
The situation in Bhutan is becoming more complex, as China’s pressure on the country increases, challenging Bhutan’s long-standing ties with India. Some analysts speculate that Bhutan could eventually have to make concessions to China, such as allowing China to open an embassy in Thimphu and increasing trade between the two countries. The outcome of this geopolitical tussle may hinge on which country can secure greater influence over Bhutan’s government and people.
While the issue of Doklam remains central to these developments, India’s involvement in any future resolution is considered essential, given the region’s strategic significance to India’s security. As tensions continue to rise, both India and Bhutan may need to navigate an increasingly complex relationship with China.
In the long term, experts predict that Bhutan may have to reconsider its diplomatic options, as the country faces increasing pressure from China to align more closely with Beijing. The geopolitical competition between China and India in Bhutan will likely intensify in the years ahead, with both nations vying for influence in this strategically vital region.
Sources By Agencies
