Northeast Desk, 19th September: China’s ongoing construction of a heliport just 20 kilometers east of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Arunachal Pradesh’s sensitive ‘Fishtails’ region is heightening tensions along the Indo-Chinese frontier. The new facility, located along the Gongrigabu Qu River in Tibet’s Nyingchi Prefecture, is part of China’s broader strategy to fortify its military presence in the remote area, according to a report by India Today.
Satellite imagery from EOS Data Analytics reveals that construction activity began in December 2023 and has since progressed rapidly. High-resolution images from Maxar dated September 2024 show the heliport nearing completion, with multiple hangars, an apron for helicopter operations, and key military infrastructure already in place.
Geospatial expert Damien Symon has highlighted that the heliport will significantly boost the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) ability to carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Its strategic location offers China the ability to deploy troops rapidly to the rugged, hard-to-reach areas along the LAC, including the disputed Fishtails region in Arunachal Pradesh.
Though located within undisputed Chinese territory, the heliport’s proximity to the LAC is a matter of concern for India. The Fishtails region is a sensitive flashpoint where both nations have differing perceptions of the border. The facility’s 600-meter runway will enhance the PLA’s ability to conduct operations in the region, improving logistical capabilities and enabling faster troop movements.
China’s continued infrastructure buildup along the border has prompted India to accelerate its own development projects. India’s ‘Vibrant Villages’ program and the construction of the 2,400-kilometer trans-Arunachal highway are part of its response to China’s assertive territorial strategy. These initiatives aim to improve connectivity and living conditions in India’s border villages while enhancing military mobility.
The heliport’s completion, however, signals a new dimension of strategic competition between the two countries, adding complexity to the already tense situation along the LAC.
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