New satellite images of an under-construction bridge connecting the north and south banks of the Pangong Tso lake suggest that the speed of construction peaked during the winter. The bridge is being constructed right near India’s claim line that has remained under Chinese control for decades, Trend reports citing India today.
Imagery provided by space firm Maxar Technologies, analysed with pictures from the European Space Agency, suggests that though the construction work began in September last year from the northern shores of the lake, its completion is only a few metres away from the southern bank. China has been strengthening infrastructure and connectivity near the border regions even during the winters. Similar incidents of the construction of roads and bridges have also been reported near Galwan.
The move is being seen as Chinese attempt to negate a repeat of the August 2020-like operation when Indian armed forces surprised the PLA ground forces by gaining control of critical positions on the Kailash heights. The standoff on the southern end of the bank witnessed Indian and Chinese forces standing less than 200 metres from each other. The standoff in the Pangong area was resolved following a mutual agreement to withdraw from the forward positions.