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Satellite images, government announcements and social media footage show extensive construction of several villages in a remote Himalayan valley claimed by both China and Bhutan. A CNN investigation found that China has carried out extensive development in the valley, known as Jigenong in Chinese and Jakarlung in Tibetan.
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Disputed territories: The Chinese government has encouraged settlers to move to these newly built villages, including Demalong and others, in the area. According to Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS University of London, construction in these areas began in 2016 but boomed last year. While Chinese authorities claim these settlements are intended to improve local livelihoods, observers see the expansion as part of China’s broader effort to strengthen its territorial claims by populating the area with civilians. Officials reportedly offer settlers spacious homes and subsidies, reportedly amounting to 20,000 yuan (2,785) per year.
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Discussions are ongoingIn addition to houses, China also built roads, military buildings and infrastructure such as kindergartens and clinics, but Bhutan has repeatedly denied any encroachment on its territory. In recent statements, Bhutan’s Foreign Ministry has maintained that the border remains undemarcated and expressed optimism for a resolution through continued bilateral talks with China. Experts suggest that Bhutan’s muted response may indicate a strategic shift to stabilize ties and possibly reach an agreement, especially given India’s close ties with Bhutan and its regional rivalry with China. “[China’s] The vulnerability is forcing China to increase its influence in Bhutan and assert its territorial claims more aggressively in an effort to counter India’s strategic partnerships in the region,” said Rishi Gupta, deputy director of Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi.
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