1. China is building a heliport 20 km east of the LAC near Arunachal Pradesh’s ‘Fishtails’ region.
2. This development could boost China’s military capabilities in the remote area.
3. India’s concerns are rising as China strengthens its border presence.
Itanagar, Sep 19: China is constructing a new heliport just 20 kilometers east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), near the ‘Fishtails’ region of Arunachal Pradesh. This development could significantly enhance China’s military capabilities in this underdeveloped area, raising fresh concerns in India.
Location and Significance
The heliport, located along the Gongrigabu Qu River in the Nyingchi Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, lies within undisputed Chinese territory. However, its proximity to the sensitive ‘Fishtails’ region—known for differing Indian and Chinese perceptions of the LAC—heightens its strategic importance. The region is already a key flashpoint in ongoing Indo-Chinese border tensions.
Also Read: Union Cabinet Clears ‘One Nation, One Election’ Proposal
Rapid Construction Progress
Open-source satellite imagery revealed that construction on the heliport began in December 2023, with significant progress by September 2024. The facility now features a 600-meter runway, multiple hangars, and support infrastructure. This heliport enhances China’s ability to deploy troops and equipment quickly, particularly in response to a conflict.
Military and Strategic Implications
Experts highlight the heliport’s dual capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and rapid troop deployment. It offers an operational advantage due to its relatively low altitude, enabling helicopters to carry heavier payloads. The heliport is seen as part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen its military presence along the disputed Indo-Chinese border.
Dual-Use Infrastructure Strategy
China’s construction of ‘Xiaokang’ or dual-use villages along its border with India reflects its long-term strategy to assert territorial claims incrementally.
This “salami slicing” approach allows China to alter the status quo without confrontation. Similar tactics have been employed in Bhutan, where China has built entire townships in disputed regions.
India’s Response: Infrastructure Development
In response to China’s aggressive border strategy, India has launched its infrastructure initiatives, including the ‘Vibrant Villages’ program and the 2,400-kilometer trans-Arunachal highway. These projects aim to improve connectivity and enhance India’s military readiness along the northeastern border.
China’s new heliport near Arunachal Pradesh underscores the intensifying strategic competition along the Indo-Chinese frontier.
While India is bolstering its border infrastructure, the completion of the heliport may shift the balance of power in the region, further complicating the already tense dynamics between the two nations.
