China’s border settlements: a strategic move with military implications

In recent years, China has undertaken an extensive project to build new settlements along its borders, particularly in areas bordering India. These settlements, which Beijing refers to as “border guards,” are part of a broader strategy to assert its territorial claims and enhance its security infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LOC).

More than 628 of these “prosperous villages” have been built along India’s borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region, including Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The dual-use nature of these villages, designed for both civilian and military purposes, has raised significant concerns within the Indian military and strategic community.

The nature of these settlements remains somewhat ambiguous. Although they have been described as civilian housing, their strategic locations and infrastructure suggest a military dimension. The buildings, mostly large and spacious two-story structures, remained unoccupied until recently. In recent months, Chinese citizens have begun moving into these villages. It is unclear whether these occupants are civilians or military personnel, adding to the complexity of the situation.

Expert perspective

Major General (Dr.) Ashok Kumar, VSM (Retd), a Kargil War veteran, Defence and Media Analyst, offers a historical perspective on China’s border strategy. He draws a parallel between current developments and the construction of the Great Wall of China, which was initially built to protect the Chinese empire from external threats. “The Great Wall of China, despite its massive fortifications, provided only partial success against invaders,” notes General Kumar. He explains that while the Great Wall was a physical barrier, China’s modern approach involves a more nuanced strategy that goes beyond mere fortifications.

“Today, China’s borders extend into territories it occupies, requiring a new approach to securing these areas,” he says. Unlike the Great Wall, which symbolized physical defense, the new settlements serve multiple purposes, combining civilian life with military readiness. He notes that these “model villages” are not only populated by civilians, but are equipped with infrastructure that can support military operations, making them a “deadly combination” that complicates the military strategy of any potential adversary.

He further notes that these villages are predominantly populated by ethnic Han Chinese, with some inclusion of native populations. This demographic engineering serves to reverse the population profile in these sensitive border regions, further entrenching China’s control. “This is a masterstroke by China in restructuring its security needs in line with Sun Tzu’s philosophy of winning the war without fighting,” opines General Kumar.

China’s strategy also includes legal measures, such as the Land Boundary Act, which gives its citizens national defence responsibilities. This law, along with the establishment of dual-use infrastructure, introduces a new dimension to border security that India must address with a strategic response. India has introduced its own concept of “vibrant villages” as a countermeasure, but as General Kumar suggests, a more nuanced approach is necessary to create viable gaps in China’s formidable chain of villages.

As tensions along the LCA continue to escalate, China’s border settlements are likely to play a crucial role in its long-term strategic objectives. For India, understanding and countering this complex strategy will be vital to maintaining stability and security in the region.

Note: This is an article republished from the «Financial Express» media outlet through a cooperation agreement between both parties for the dissemination of journalistic content. Original link.