China increases troop presence, widens road near Doklam standoff site
What's the story
China continues to maintain a troop presence in an area close to the site of the Doklam standoff with India.
It has also started upgrading and widening an existing motorable road located around 10km from the standoff site.
Sources claim China is slowly deploying more troops in Doklam which could escalate the current situation.
So far, India hasn't objected to China's latest road construction.
28 Aug 2017
India-China agree to withdraw troops, end Doklam standoff
On August 28, the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam came to an end with both sides agreeing to withdraw their troops.
India said the development was reached through diplomatic talks.
"On this basis, expeditious disengagement of border personnel at the face-off site at Doklam has been agreed to and is on-going," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said.
Details
Where is the road being upgraded?
The road being upgraded by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) doesn't face southwards towards the militarily-sensitive Jampheri Ridge.
The Doklam standoff took place because Indian troops stopped the PLA from extending the current road towards the ridge, which overlooks the Siliguri Corridor.
The latest revelation comes as both India and China maintain increased troop presence near the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction despite the standoff's end.
Concern
Source: China reinforcing claim on Doklam
"China is reinforcing its claim on the Doklam territory by upgrading the road around 10-km north and east of the earlier face-off site. The PLA has been controlling the road for some years and regularly sends patrols to the area," a source told the Times of India.
Doklam comes under Bhutanese territory. India staunchly supports Bhutan over the issue.