China’s road construction in disputed mountainous region sparks protest from India.

Satellite images show that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is constructing roads in the disputed Shaksgam Valley, and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has lodged a protest with the Chinese side.

Last week, Indian media outlet “India Today” cited satellite images captured by the European Space Agency, revealing that the CCP is building roads in the Shaksgam Valley. The roads are extending from the Xinjiang 219 National Highway to a point about 50 kilometers north of the Siachen Glacier in India.

The Shaksgam Valley was originally part of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan and was transferred to China by Pakistan in 1963. The Indian government asserts sovereignty over the entire Kashmir region and does not recognize the agreements between Pakistan and the CCP.

The spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated during a routine press conference yesterday (May 2nd) that the Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of Indian territory. India has never accepted the border agreement signed by China and Pakistan in 1963.

Jaiswal stated, “We consistently express opposition to this. We have lodged a protest against the Chinese attempt to alter ground realities illegally and reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests.”

Indian security experts analyze that if the CCP extends the roads to the Shaksgam Valley, India would face the risk of being sandwiched between China and Pakistan in the border region.

On the other hand, clashes occurred between Chinese and Indian border forces in the Ladakh region in June 2020, resulting in casualties. Subsequently, relations between the two countries plummeted, and tens of thousands of soldiers were deployed to confront each other.

Amid the standoff, both Chinese and Indian sides have maintained dialogue through military and diplomatic channels to avoid escalation and resolve disputes. The latest military-level talks took place in February this year, while diplomatic talks occurred in March. However, progress in negotiations is believed to have stalled recently.

Responding to inquiries, Jaiswal emphasized that this is a serious issue requiring time for resolution. He stated, “The next round of engagements will take place soon to move forward on these matters.”

– Translated and adapted from the original news report by Central News Agency