China Builds Rapidly Near Pangong Lake: Satellite Images Reveal New Structures

• Satellite images shared by Damien Symon on X show China constructing new buildings near the military buffer zone at Pangong Tso, within Chinese-controlled territory.
• These constructions consolidate Beijing's physical presence post-2020 border dispute and subtly recalibrate its territorial claims near the Ladakh border.
• The Economist reported China is developing infrastructure in this sensitive area almost four times faster than India.
• Despite the new constructions, border tensions with India have reportedly reduced since 2024, with resumed patrolling and regular contact between commanders.
• India even withdrew two brigades from the LAC to deploy on the Pakistan border during Operation Sindoor, indicating reduced tension.

Why It Matters: China's rapid construction near Pangong Lake raises concerns despite recent border de-escalation.