News agency ANI quoted government sources as saying that China is preparing an airbase for combat aircraft operations close to the LAC.
Chinese fighter plane flying in the sky (File Photo- China Air Force)
China has started compensating for its limited air operations along the Line of Actual Control with India. According to sources, China is preparing an airbase for fighter aircraft operations at Shakche Town in Xinjiang province near the eastern region of Ladakh. The news agency ANI quoted government sources as saying that this base is being built between the existing base in Kashgar and Hogan. Government sources said that both these bases have been carrying out fighter aircraft operations near Indian borders for a long time.
Beijing’s intention is to bridge the growing gap in this area of the Chinese Air Force through this new airbase. At present, the distance of both the airbases from the LAC is 400 km. But this distance will be reduced after the airbase in Shake becomes operational. According to sources, there is already an airbase in Shakche area and it is being upgraded for fighter aircraft operations. The source said that the base will be ready to operate fighter jets in the near future and work has been expedited on it. China has intensified the movement on the border in recent days.
India is keeping an eye on every move of China
At present, Indian agencies are keeping a close watch on an airfield near Barahoti bordering Uttarakhand with China. This is where China has brought a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles, which are flying continuously in that area. China has deployed 50 thousand soldiers on the Ladakh border. Recently, the Chinese Air Force also conducted a military exercise on which India kept an eye and was ready for all kinds of action. A few weeks ago, a Wall Street Journal report claimed that China had deployed 15,000 more troops to the border than the number of soldiers deployed during the Galwan violence.
Both sides engaged in resolving border dispute
According to Indian intelligence and military officials, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has gradually increased its military presence to over 50,000 in recent months. It is worth noting that tension has been going on on the border since last year, during which there have been violent clashes between the soldiers of both the countries. Apart from this, both the sides are also engaged in talks to resolve the border dispute. Several rounds of talks have also taken place for this. But even after this, there does not seem to be much reduction in tension.
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