January 22, 2025

What’s cooking on the Chinese side of the LoC at Doklam? The Times of India has reported that for the first time, Chinese troops have not gone back in winter, as they did till now and are camping there, with basic infrastructure in place that signals permanent residency from now onwards.

It seems that after the 73-day unpleasant stand-off from June to August this year, the Chinese side has resolved not to treat Doklam lightly. They know that India is not going to allow them to encroach till Jampheri ridge and expand their reach to the strategic “chicken’s neck” in India. China desperately needs to do so in order to widen the depth to Chumbi valley. But India is adamant as it will give the Chinese side easy entry to Siliguri and open up another frontier.

What does Chinese permanent stay at Doklam mean for India? As the Army chief, General Bipin Rawat, had said during the stand-off, the Chinese will try and encroach upon all disputed territory, surreptitiously and even brazenly at times. He had used the words “salami slicing” which aptly describe Chinese tactics. Staying put at Doklam in winters is a pointer to that strategy.

There is not much India can do about it. As long as they stay on their side of the LoC and indulge in construction activity that does not disturb the status quo, India has no reason to protest. But keeping in mind General Rawat’s warning, Indian troops have to keep a strict watch to ensure that they do not surreptitiously start constructing the road to Jampheri ridge again, or otherwise try to usurp Doklam.