China has been strategically building new villages along its borders with India, Bhutan, and Nepal, with settlements designed to strengthen its control in disputed territories. One such village, Qionglin New Village, sits in the Himalayas and serves as a key outpost for China’s claim to Arunachal Pradesh, a state in India. These villages, dubbed “border guardians” by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, act as a first line of defense in contentious border regions.
The New York Times, in collaboration with RAIC Labs, analyzed satellite images to identify and map these new settlements. These villages provide infrastructure for China’s military, including access to roads and power, as well as serving as a deterrent against intruders. The rapid expansion of these villages has raised concerns about China’s territorial ambitions and potential for conflict.
China views these settlements as crucial for security and has been actively relocating people to frontier areas to strengthen control over disputed territories. The speed and stealth with which China is building these militarized villages has drawn comparisons to its activities in the South China Sea. India and Bhutan have not responded to inquiries about the buildup, but there have been reports of Chinese encroachment on Indian territory.
In response to China’s actions, India has launched the “Vibrant Villages” campaign to revitalize border villages, but China’s construction efforts appear to be outpacing India’s. Some villages, like Migyitun, show signs of militarization, with dual-use infrastructure and military presence. These villages also serve as propaganda, showcasing Chinese strength and superiority in the region.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, uncertainties remain about the future of these villages in the harsh Himalayan terrain. Residents have been enticed to move to these remote areas with promises of cheap housing, subsidies, and additional payments for border patrols. The villages come equipped with schools, clinics, and other amenities to make them more appealing to inhabitants.
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