In the past eight years, China has built 22 new villages and settlements in the territory of Bhutan, near the Doklam plateau. These constructions are causing concern for India, as many of these settlements are located close to the strategic Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck.”
The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land that connects the northeastern states of India to the rest of the country. It is vital for India’s security and communication with the northeast. If China’s growing presence near Doklam continues, it could potentially threaten this narrow gateway, increasing India’s vulnerability.
Among the new villages, eight are situated close to the Doklam plateau, in a valley or on a ridge. The locations of these villages are seen as strategic because they are near Chinese military outposts and could potentially be used for military purposes. Satellite images have confirmed the construction of these villages, but details about their purpose and impact are still unclear.
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Importance of Doklam and the Siliguri Corridor
The Doklam area is not just a piece of land; it is a critical strategic location. This region, located near the tri-junction of Bhutan, China, and India, has been at the center of disputes between these countries. The 2017 India-China standoff was triggered by China’s attempt to build a road in the disputed area. India, concerned about the implications for its security, intervened, leading to a 73-day-long face-off between Indian and Chinese troops.
Doklam is important because it is close to the Siliguri Corridor, which is sometimes called the “Chicken’s Neck.” This narrow passageway, located in the northeastern part of India, is the only land route that connects the seven northeastern states of India with the rest of the country. If any country gains control or influence over the areas surrounding this corridor, it could disrupt India’s access to its northeastern states, which would have serious strategic consequences.
Jiwu Village: A Large Chinese Settlement
One of the largest villages China has built in Bhutan’s territory is Jiwu, located in the western part of the country. This village is constructed on traditional Bhutanese pastureland, an area called Tshethangkha. The construction of Jiwu and other villages in the region highlights China’s growing interest in areas near Doklam and raises concerns about its long-term plans for the region.
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Many of the new settlements in Bhutan are situated in valleys or on ridges, which are ideal locations for military infrastructure. These villages are positioned not just in a way that allows for civilian habitation but also in places that could be used for defense purposes, especially as they are in close proximity to Chinese military bases.
The construction of these villages is a clear sign of China’s growing influence in the region. These settlements could provide China with more control over the area, and they may have strategic military significance in the future. The fact that these villages are being built in disputed territory only adds to the tensions between India, China, and Bhutan.
The Chinese construction of villages near the Doklam plateau and the Siliguri Corridor is a development that could have significant strategic implications for India. The area, already a subject of dispute, is now becoming more militarized, and China’s growing presence in the region may have consequences for India’s security, especially regarding the narrow Siliguri Corridor that connects India to its northeastern states. While details about the purpose of these villages remain uncertain, the growing infrastructure in this region is certainly one to watch.
