New Delhi. China is preparing to further strengthen the strategic transport network in the sensitive border areas adjacent to India under its 15th Five-Year Plan. Under the plan, a 394-km long highway will be built to connect the northern and southern parts of the Tianshen mountain range in Xinjiang. This route will pass through the Aksai Chin region and parallel to the old strategic road built after the 1962 India-China border war.
According to the report, construction of this highway is expected to be completed by 2032. The project will formally begin only after receiving approval from the National People’s Congress (NPC). This route will not only accelerate military mobility but also enhance China’s logistical and economic control of border areas.
Additionally, the 15th Five-Year Plan includes a proposal to upgrade three existing highways leading to Tibet. China is focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, and battery production in this plan to boost its slowing economy. The ruling Communist Party has already given preliminary approval to the plan, and it has been sent to the NPC for formal approval.
This Chinese strategy has raised concerns in India. Last year, China began building the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet under its 14th Five-Year Plan, raising tensions between India and neighboring countries like Bangladesh over security and water resources. New highways and the expansion of infrastructure near the border could also impact India’s strategic interests and security balance.
Experts say China’s plans are aimed not only at increasing its military dominance but also at increasing its economic and technological dominance. This robust road network along the border will provide it with faster logistical support, military mobility, and leverage for new industrial projects. India now needs to remain vigilant through monitoring and diplomatic measures against these projects.
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