For years, China has been covertly encroaching upon the territory of neighboring Bhutan, taking it over bit by bit. And the government of China would really appreciate it if the government of Bhutan said, “Okay then, fine, keep it.”
But Bhutan ally India is not playing along. In the account of AsiaNetNews (“China’s moves in Bhutan prompt India to deploy BSF, ITBP and SSB to guard Siliguri Corridor,” August 7, 2023):
[The Siliguri Corridor] serves as a crucial link connecting northeastern states with the rest of India. [India’s] deployment covers the entire corridor due to its vulnerability. The border tensions, China’s territorial ambitions, and India’s defence strategies have prompted this move. . . .
After years of ‘salami slicing’ or taking over territory in a very gradual manner along the border with Bhutan, China has started engaging the tiny nation in negotiations over the settlement of the boundary. With an intention to isolate New Delhi from Thimpu’s defence and diplomatic affairs, China wants to attract Bhutan to its side. . . .
Beijing wants control over the Jhampheri Ridge and the Doklam area to enlarge its narrow and strategic Chumbi Valley, which would allow China unhindered mobilisation and more access routes in the event of military conflict with India. As of now, China has enhanced its connectivity in the deep areas of the Chumbi Valley in the Tibet Autonomous Region, which is close to Siliguri on the Indian side.
In 2017, India used troops to block an attempt by China to build roads in Bhutan. Whether the conflict would escalate was uncertain for weeks. Finally, after a 73-day standoff, China backed down. But since then, it has continued to elbow its way into Bhutanese territory, even, as Foreign Policy reports, establishing settlers and military outposts there.
