China Builds Near Pangong Tso Buffer Zone, Raises India's Alarm Despite De-escalation

• New satellite images show China constructing permanent structures near the Pangong Tso buffer zone in Ladakh, within Chinese-held territory.
• Geostrategic expert Damien Symon shared images on X, stating this activity consolidates Beijing's presence and recalibrates territorial claims post-2020 Galwan clash.
• The Economist reports China is building infrastructure in the region at four times the pace of New Delhi, near a pier and troop accommodation.
• Despite the construction, Indian and Western officials note a de-escalation of tensions since 2024 following a diplomatic breakthrough.
• A fragile calm now prevails along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with resumed patrols and troop diversion during Operation Sindoor.

Why It Matters: China's aggressive construction near Pangong Tso contrasts with recent diplomatic de-escalation along the LAC.