Qionglin New Village is located deep in the Himalayas, just three miles from a region where tensions between Chinese and Indian troops have sparked fears of a border war. The village, once an empty valley, was built by Chinese officials to assert China’s claim to Arunachal Pradesh, India’s easternmost state.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, refers to the villagers of Qionglin as “border guardians.” These villages, like Qionglin, have been strategically placed along China’s borders with India, Bhutan, and Nepal to solidify China’s control in contested territories. The settlements not only serve as civilian outposts but also provide support to China’s military, with roads, internet access, and power available for quick troop movements.
The New York Times, in collaboration with RAIC Labs, mapped and analyzed these settlements to show how China has reshaped its frontiers with these strategic outposts. The villages act as eyes and ears in remote areas, deterring intruders and promoting Beijing’s territorial claims.
China’s rapid development of these border villages has raised concerns about its expansionist ambitions. The villages, built in disputed areas, serve as a means for China to assert its dominance in these regions. The speed and stealth with which China has built these settlements have garnered attention from analysts and neighboring countries.
India and Bhutan have expressed concerns about China’s border activities, with reports of land encroachments and infrastructure construction along the border. China’s “Vibrant Villages” campaign aims to revive villages along the border, but China’s rapid development outpaces India’s efforts in the region.
Some of these border villages have dual-use infrastructure, with military facilities present in some settlements. These villages not only serve as security outposts but also act as propaganda tools, showcasing China’s strength and superiority in the region.
The harsh terrain of the Himalayas, where these villages are located, presents challenges for residents. To entice people to move to these remote areas, the Chinese government offers subsidies, job opportunities, and promises of infrastructure development.
Overall, China’s border village strategy reflects its broader territorial ambitions and its efforts to establish control in disputed regions. The villages serve as a means to assert China’s dominance in these areas and promote its strategic interests along its borders.