China is in the process of constructing a new heliport near the strategically significant 'Fishtails' area in Arunachal Pradesh, a location that lies only about 20 kilometers from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Once completed, the heliport will significantly enhance China’s military capabilities, enabling faster mobilization of resources in this mountainous region. The construction, which began in late 2023, raises concerns for India as it could increase Chinese military presence near the contested border.
Boost to Chinese Military Operations
The new heliport will provide China’s military with greater operational flexibility in the region. It will facilitate tasks such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, and border patrolling. Currently, the difficult terrain poses challenges to military activities in the area, but the completion of this heliport will allow Chinese forces to deploy troops and military assets more efficiently. Experts suggest that the heliport is part of China’s broader plan to strengthen both its defensive and offensive capabilities along the border.
According to satellite images, the construction work is well underway, and once operational, the heliport will serve as a key military outpost for China. The increased Chinese military presence could potentially alter the security dynamics along the LAC, especially in areas where the border remains disputed.
Strategic Location on the Gongrigabu River
The heliport is being built on the banks of the Gongrigabu River in China's Ningchi province. The location offers several strategic advantages, particularly for helicopter operations. The geographical features of the area allow helicopters to fly with heavier payloads, which is crucial for military logistics. Given the challenges of landing and takeoff in mountainous regions, the heliport is equipped with a 600-meter-long runway to accommodate rolling takeoffs, making it easier for helicopters to operate even in difficult terrain.
The construction of such a facility so close to the LAC is a matter of concern for Indian security forces, as it increases the likelihood of Chinese military activities near the border.
Dispute Over the Fishtails Area
The Fishtails area, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley and Anjaw district, has long been a point of contention between India and China. Differences over the exact demarcation of the LAC in this region have fueled tensions. The Fishtail-1 and Fishtail-2 areas are strategically important for India, and any enhanced Chinese military infrastructure in this region poses a direct challenge to India's defense posture.
According to former Eastern Command chief Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi, the construction of the heliport is a significant development that could have serious implications for India’s security. The proximity of the facility to the Indian border raises concerns about a potential escalation in military activities, which could exacerbate the ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations.
China’s 'Salami Slicing' Strategy
The heliport construction is seen as part of China’s broader 'Salami Slicing' strategy, in which China gradually extends its control over disputed territories. In recent years, China has built small villages and military outposts in several contested areas along the LAC, including regions in Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. These villages are strategically positioned to solidify China’s territorial claims in these border regions.
China's incremental approach to encroaching on contested land is a methodical effort to alter the status quo at the LAC. By establishing infrastructure such as heliports and villages, China is slowly asserting its dominance over areas that have been historically disputed, further complicating the resolution of border issues with neighboring countries, including India.
India’s Response: The Vibrant Villages Scheme
In response to China’s aggressive border strategy, India has launched the 'Vibrant Villages' scheme, which aims to boost development in over 3,000 villages in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative is designed to strengthen India’s presence in the border region and provide infrastructure that supports the local population as well as military operations.
Additionally, India is rapidly constructing the 2,400-kilometer Trans-Arunachal Highway, a critical infrastructure project that will allow the Indian Army to quickly access posts near the LAC. The highway is a key component of India’s strategy to counter China's growing influence in the region and ensure that Indian forces can respond swiftly to any security threats along the border.
This highway, along with the development of border villages, forms part of India’s broader efforts to bolster its military and civilian infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, serving as a direct response to China's moves to expand its foothold in disputed areas.
A New Chapter in the India-China Border Dispute
China’s construction of a heliport near Arunachal Pradesh is likely to escalate tensions between the two countries. While China claims the facility is being built for defensive purposes, its proximity to the LAC and the contested Fishtails area raises serious concerns for India’s security. The heliport, once operational, will allow China to rapidly mobilize its military forces in the region, further complicating an already sensitive border dispute.
India’s proactive measures, such as the Vibrant Villages scheme and the construction of the Trans-Arunachal Highway, reflect its determination to counter China’s growing presence along the LAC. As both nations continue to strengthen their military infrastructure in the region, the potential for future confrontations remains high, making the need for diplomatic engagement more critical than ever.
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