China Expands Border Presence: 90 New Villages Near Arunachal Pradesh

Recent reports indicate that China is constructing 90 new village settlements along its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including areas opposite Arunachal Pradesh. These "Xiaokang" or "prosperous villages" are part of China's strategy to bolster its territorial claims and strengthen military preparedness in the region. The expansion brings the total number of such villages to 628, raising concerns about China's increasing presence along the disputed border. India has responded by launching its own program to build villages in Arunachal Pradesh and other border states, though keeping pace with China's rapid development remains a challenge.
Source: The Tribune, February 20, 2025