China Builds New Military Structures Near Pangong Lake, Challenges India's Border Posture

• New high-resolution satellite imagery reveals China's permanent military construction near Pangong Tso in Eastern Ladakh, raising concerns despite diplomatic efforts.
• The structures are metres from the lake near the Sirijap post, an area under Chinese control since 1962 but claimed by India, suggesting increased troop presence.
• This construction follows the May 2020 standoff, which ended the previous arrangement of shared access, with PLA now solidifying its presence.
• Experts like Damien Symon note this fits China's strategy of building fixed infrastructure to convert presence into control, reinforcing its sovereignty in disputed areas.
• The rapid buildup questions the durability of disengagement efforts, as China hardens facts on the ground even as diplomatic language softens.

Why It Matters: China's new military construction near Pangong Lake hardens its control, challenging India's border posture despite diplomatic thaw.