According to a recent report by CNN, over the past eight years, China has systematically constructed 22 villages and settlements on territory traditionally considered part of Bhutan. Of these, eight villages near the strategically crucial Doklam plateau have emerged since 2020, according to satellite imagery cited by recent reports.
According to reports, the encroachments are alarming, not merely as territorial violations but as calculated moves aimed at reshaping regional geopolitics. China’s strategy—referred to by some observers as “salami slicing”—involves incremental steps to secure and consolidate disputed land. These settlements are not innocuous hamlets; they are often closely linked to Chinese military infrastructure, with some situated on ridges overlooking the Doklam valley.
Doklam holds particular importance for Bhutan and the wider region. Historically, the area has been regarded as Bhutanese pastureland. But over the past several years, it has become the focal point of China’s efforts to expand its influence. The eight villages in Bhutan’s western sector form a line that stretches 36 kilometers north to south, a deliberate positioning to dominate the region strategically, according to the CNN report.
This encroachment is not just about physical territory. Since 2016, approximately 7,000 Chinese citizens have been relocated to these settlements, with roads connecting them directly to Chinese towns. This forced migration and infrastructural integration signify a deeper intent: to permanently alter the demographics and political landscape of these disputed areas, making reclamation increasingly difficult for Bhutan.
The scale and speed of these developments should alarm. Since early 2023, China has accelerated its activities, constructing seven new settlements, with three slated for upgrades into towns. This rapid transformation is not coincidental but part of a long-term strategy. By building villages and positioning military personnel and officials in these areas, China is solidifying its claims and creating “facts on the ground” that are difficult to contest in international forums.
Preserving sovereignty requires vigilance, transparency, and unity. The world’s smallest nations are often the first to face the brunt of power politics, but Bhutan’s rich history of resilience and diplomacy can serve as a foundation for navigating these turbulent waters.
Bhutan’s future as a proud, independent nation depends on how it steers this complicated issue.
