In the the ongoing border tensions between Bhutan and China, despite ongoing talks, satellite images reveal concerning developments in the Jakarlung Valley. Satellite images obtained from Maxar reveal a dramatic escalation in construction activities by China in North Bhutan's Jakarlung Valley. These images, the clearest to date, suggest that diplomatic negotiations have not deterred Beijing from advancing its presence in the region, located just 50 kilometers from Bhutan's Eastern border with Arunachal Pradesh.
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NewsTranscript
00:00 In the ongoing border tensions between Bhutan and China, despite ongoing talks, satellite
00:07 images reveal concerning developments in the Jakartalung Valley.
00:11 Satellite images obtained from Maksar revealed a dramatic escalation in construction activities
00:16 by China in north Bhutan's Jakartalung Valley.
00:20 These images, the clearest to date, suggest that diplomatic negotiations have not deterred
00:24 Beijing from advancing its presence in the region located just 50 km from Bhutan's
00:30 eastern border with Arunachal Pradesh.
00:33 The images, dated December 7, expose the construction of 129 residential buildings in one settlement
00:40 and 62 buildings in a second enclave.
00:42 Astonishingly, previous images from August 2021 show no signs of these structures, indicating
00:48 a rapid and unauthorized expansion by China.
00:52 These developments come at a crucial time as Bhutan seeks to strengthen ties with China
00:57 to address historical incursions.
01:00 In October, Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji visited Beijing in a landmark diplomatic
01:05 move expressing hope for a clear delineation of borders between the two nations.
01:10 Bhutanese Prime Minister Lote Shering, speaking to The Hindu in October, acknowledged the
01:14 need for a distinct boundary, stating, "We hope to see a line being drawn this side Bhutan
01:20 and that side China.
01:21 We don't have that right now."
01:23 Importantly, he did not rule out the possibility of a land swap, raising the prospect of territorial
01:28 exchanges.
01:29 Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Nangyal Wangchuk's recent visit to India further underscores
01:35 the complexity of the negotiations.
01:36 While the joint statement did not provide specific details on the border talks, discussions
01:41 covered bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues.
01:45 The historical tension in the Doklam region where a 2017 standoff between India and China
01:50 occurred remains a focal point.
01:52 Prime Minister Shering emphasised the need to ensure both India and China are content
01:57 with the decisions made in the border talks.
01:59 India closely monitors China's expansion near the Amuchu River Valley adjacent to the
02:03 Doklam Plateau, raising concerns about proximity to the strategic Silikudi Corridor.
02:09 The situation in the Jakartlung Valley is evolving rapidly and the international community
02:13 is closely watching.
02:14 For more UN videos visit: www.un.org/webcast
02:20 [MUSIC]