Satellite imagery has revealed that China has built at least 22 villages and settlements on Bhutanese territory in the past eight years. Of these, eight villages have come up near the strategic Doklam Plateau since 2020. Located in the western region of Bhutan, near Doklam, these villages are located in valleys or in places overlooking areas claimed by China. Some settlements are close to Chinese military outposts, raising concerns about their strategic purpose. Jivu, the largest village built on Bhutanese grasslands, called Chethankha, falls in this sector.
A strategic concern for India
China’s construction near Doklam has raised concerns in New Delhi, particularly about the risks to the Siliguri corridor, known as the “chicken’s neck”. This narrow stretch of land connects the northeastern states of India with the rest of the country. China’s strengthening grip in the region could pose security challenges for India.
Doklam, the site of a 73-day Indo-China military standoff in 2017, is sensitive. The dispute started after the Indian army intervened to stop the construction of a Chinese road that would give China access to the southern part of the plateau. Although both sides diverged after the standoff, satellite images indicate that Chinese infrastructure development around Doklam has intensified in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Siliguri Corridor is an important geopolitical link connecting Northeast India with the mainland. Its narrow width makes it vulnerable to obstructions, and any encroachment into the surrounding area could seriously affect India’s national security.
Ongoing Developments
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the satellite data. Meanwhile, China’s activities in the Bhutan region, particularly near Doklam, highlight the growing complexity of border disputes in the region and the strategic importance of maintaining control over key access points such as the Siliguri Corridor.