• Chinese nationals have begun occupying previously vacant “Xiaokang” border defence villages.
• These villages, constructed by China in 2019, have raised concerns for the Indian Army, particularly regarding their occupants’ nature and strategic implications.

What are the “Xiaokang” Border Defence Villages?

Model Villages:

• The Xiaokang or “well-off villages” border defence villages are a part of China’s strategic infrastructure development initiative along its borders, particularly along the LAC with India.
• Notable areas of occupation include villages across from Lohit Valley and the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
• They are built in regions where territorial claims are contested or where there is a perceived need to reinforce sovereignty.

Dual-use Infrastructure:

• These villages are designed to serve multiple purposes, including civilian settlement and military presence, hence characterized as “dual-use infrastructure.”
• They are built in regions where territorial claims are contested or where there is a perceived need to reinforce sovereignty.

Associated Concerns for India:

• Territorial Claims: China’s construction of 628 such villages along India’s borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region signifies a concerted effort to assert territorial claims along the LAC. This raises concerns for Indian military strategists, highlighting the need for vigilance along the border.
• Military Implications: The villages’ potential for dual-use raises concerns about increased militarisation along the already tense LAC.
• Uncertain Intentions: The lack of transparency regarding the specific purpose and scale of the civilian population in these villages creates suspicion and hinders trust-building efforts.

What are India’s Initiatives along the LAC?

• In response to China’s infrastructure development, India has intensified efforts to enhance its border infrastructure since 2019.

Vibrant Villages Program:

• The Vibrant Villages program aims to modernise 663 border villages, with 17 selected for development along the China-India border in regions like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Border Roads Organization (BRO):

• The BRO has completed 90 infrastructure projects along the India–China border, worth Rs 2,941 crore.
• As of September 2023, 36 of these projects are in Arunachal Pradesh, 26 in Ladakh, and 11 in Jammu and Kashmir.
• BRO is involved in major highways, including the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, and East-West Industrial Corridor Highway, which are under construction to improve connectivity, particularly in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh and the Tawang region.

Border Area Development Programme (BADP):

• The BADP is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to meet the special developmental needs of the people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated near the international border.
• The funds can be used for projects relating to Infrastructure, Livelihood, Education, Health, Agriculture, Allied sectors.

Railways:

• Indian Railways is constructing strategic rail lines in the Northeast region to facilitate the swift mobilization of the Indian army.

Practice Questions for Prelims

Xiaokang,” a term frequently used in Chinese governance, refers to:
a) A type of traditional Chinese cuisine.
b) A period of stability and prosperity in Chinese history
c) A concept of a moderately prosperous society.
d) A traditional form of Chinese martial arts.

Ans. c)

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the strategic significance and challenges associated with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Evaluate the impact of recent border tensions on bilateral relations, regional stability, and India’s broader geopolitical interests. Suggest potential diplomatic and security measures to manage and resolve the disputes along the LAC

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