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On the border with Tibet, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is continuously strengthening its position near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese military has established facilities in this area, ranging from logistics centers to strengthening communication.
China steps up border build-up with India
New delhi: Relations between India and China appear to be improving in many ways. Despite issues ranging from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to the resumption of India-China air flights, China's activities on the border show no signs of stopping.
On the border with Tibet, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is continuously strengthening its position near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese military has established facilities in this area, ranging from logistics centers to strengthening communication.
Recently, China established a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) testing center in Tibet. Located at an altitude of 4,300 meters, this testing center is believed to help the PLA and Chinese drone manufacturers test these UAVs in harsh weather and high-altitude conditions.
This new airfield includes a 720-meter-long runway, four hangars, and administrative buildings. It is worth noting that the Tibetan Plateau's mountainous terrain and harsh weather pose significant challenges to military operations and logistics. New PLA recruits deployed in this region often require supplemental oxygen due to altitude sickness.
China's actions are not limited to India's land borders. It has established military facilities on reclaimed land in the South China Sea. These include weapon installations and maintaining a constant presence in key areas.
According to a September 2025 report by the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), a subsidiary of the US Air Force, the lack of a transportation network within and outside Tibet is a major reason for the Chinese military's deployment of troops along the Indian border. This leaves the military heavily dependent on stored supplies. Recent road, air, and rail network expansion in and around Tibet has enhanced the Chinese military's capabilities.
