Chinese Army is now building a helipad at Finger 4 in Pangong Tso, PLA patrols are now regularly making small forays down the ridge of Finger 3 towards the bank of the lake and then returning, it is massing troops on southern bank of the lake. My report. indianexpress.com/article/india/…
Significance: “the Chinese are telling us that they have no intention of going back or restoring the status quo as in April. It is why they have not been interested in discussing any disengagement or de-escalation in Pangong Tso.”
Before the current tensions arose, the Chinese had a permanent base at Finger 8. They have now deployed themselves eight kilometres to the west, at Finger 4 where they have also constructed shelters, pillboxes, bunkers and other infrastructure both on the bank and the ridgeline.
While India asserts that the LAC in the area passes through Finger 8, the Chinese have always claimed it much further to the west. Historically, Indian patrols have had access to Finger 8 while the Chinese patrols would come further westward on vehicles using the road made in 99.
A sharp rocky feature between the Finger 4 and Finger 3 means that the area to the west of Finger 4 is only accessible on foot. India’s main base is close to Finger 3. The Indian side also has an administrative base closer to Finger 4, at the start of the sharp rocky feature.
It is around to the east of the administrative base area that the Army has now deployed itself in response to the sudden Chinese deployment in the area. Less than 500 metres separate soldiers of both sides at this faceoff point.
[n/n] Officials have confirmed that no further talks between the military commanders of both sides have been scheduled so far. After the meeting of the Corps Commanders on June 22, the consensus reached was to progress with meetings between the commanders on the ground.
