In 2022, despite border tensions with India, China reportedly expanded troop deployment and continued infrastructure development along the LAC, including the building of underground storage facilities close to Doklam, a second bridge across Pangong Lake, a dual-purpose airport, and several helipads, according to the Pentagon report.
Even though the two sides completed their disengagement from a number of regions after prolonged diplomatic and military talks, the Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a three-year-long confrontation at particular points in eastern Ladakh.
The 'Military and Security Developments involving the People's Republic of China' report 2023 reads as follows: "Since early May 2020, sustained tensions along the India-China border have dominated the Western Theater Command's attention."
The report released by the US Department of Defence this month stated, "Differing perceptions between India and the People's Republic of China (PRC) regarding border demarcations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) combined with recent infrastructure construction on both sides, led to multiple clashes, an ongoing standoff, and military buildups along the shared border."
According to the reports, China continued to build up its military facilities along the LAC in 2022. "These improvements include underground storage facilities near Doklam, new roads in all three sectors of the LAC, new villages in disputed areas in neighbouring Bhutan, a second bridge over Pangong Lake, a dual-purpose airport near the centre sector, and multiple helipads," it added.
Additionally, in 2022, China deployed one border regiment in the western sector of the LAC, reinforced by two divisions of the Xinjiang and Tibet Military Districts and four combined arms brigades (CAB) in reserve.
"China also deployed as many as three light-to-medium CABs in the eastern sector from other theatre commands and an additional three CABs in the central sector of the LAC. Although some elements of a light CAB eventually withdrew, a majority of the deployed forces remain in place along the LAC," it said.
According to the report, China now possesses more than 500 operational nuclear warheads and will likely have more than 1,000 by the year 2030.
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