Why is it in the news?
China is constructing Xiaokang villages along the Line of Actual Control.
These developments raise concerns over territorial claims and border security for India.
Category: IR
Important Points:
● China is building 628 Xiaokang villages along border areas in Tibet Autonomous Region.
● These villages function as dual-use infrastructure supporting civilian and military purposes.
● They are part of China’s strategy to strengthen territorial claims through “salami-slicing”.
● The initiative is supported by China’s Land Border Law 2022.
● These settlements enable military-civil fusion and continuous surveillance.
● They create strategic pressure near sensitive areas like Tawang and Siliguri Corridor.
● The Line of Actual Control is a de facto boundary formed after the 1962 war.
● India estimates LAC length at about 3,488 km while China claims about 2,000 km.
● India is responding through initiatives like Vibrant Villages Programme and border infrastructure development.