Is China Preparing for a War with India?

Summary and Key Points: China has completed the construction of a bridge over Pangong Tso, a high-altitude lake near the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India. The bridge, located at the narrowest part of the lake, will significantly reduce travel time for Chinese forces, potentially facilitating quicker deployment of their Type 15 light tanks to the LAC.

-This development has heightened tensions between the two nuclear powers, especially after a prolonged standoff in the region. In response, India has unveiled its new Zorawar light tank, designed for rapid deployment and high-altitude operations.

-The tank features a 105mm main gun, AI capabilities, and amphibious functions, positioning India to better defend its interests in the rugged terrain of the LAC.

China Completed Bridge Over Very Troubled Waters Near LAC

Beijing has more than its fair share of what could rightfully be described as "troubled waters" – and those include the Taiwanese Strait and the South China Sea, each a potential flashpoint for a war with its neighbors. However, far from the Western Pacific is Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake – an endorheic lake in the eastern Ladakh Valley that is near the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India.

Located 13,862 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world, while it is 134 km (83 miles) long, which also makes among the largest lakes in Asia. Though noted for its scenic beauty, its remoteness means few actually can ever see it – and it doesn't generally receive a lot of international attention.

Yet, it could be a flashpoint for a war between China and India, especially as the former just completed construction on a controversial infrastructure project.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

It was reported this week that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has finished construction on a bridge at the narrowest part of Pangong Tso in Khurnak, connecting the north and south banks of the lake.

Construction of the 400-meter-long, 8-meter-wide bridge began in late 2021, following a months-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces near the LAC. The bridge will allow for PLA forces to move directly north-south and troops coming from the Khurnak Fort could see their travel times cut from 12 hours to three to four hours, while it will cut down a 180 km (111 mile) loop from the Khurnak to the south banks.

"The bridge will also add a new route connecting Khurnak Fort and surrounding facilities with the PLA's largest base in the vicinity, at Rutog," the Center for Strategic & International Studies reported.

The bridge at Pangong could also allow the Chinese military to quickly deploy its Type 15 light tank to the disputed LAC should fighting break out between the two nuclear powers. The tank, which first entered service in 2018, is noted for being armed with a fully stabilized 105mm rifled main gun, a robust armor package, and CRBN (Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protection typically found in larger MBTs.

India Ready to Respond

Both sides have increasingly fortified their positions along the 2,100-mile-long LAC, while also developing platforms that are well-suited to the rugged, high-altitude terrain.

It was earlier this month that India announced 25-ton Zorawar light tank has entered service. Named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led military operations in Ladakh and Western Tibet, the Zorawar was jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private vendor Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The quick development and fielding of the tank is noteworthy as the Indian Army only issued a Request for Information (RFI) in 2021 calling for a new tank that weighed less than 25 tonnes, yet had a margin of 10 percent and the same firepower as a regular MBT.

It would appear that the tank more than met the requirements, and arrived just as China has increased its ability to more quickly deploy its forces near the LAC.

The Zorawar is armed with a 105mm main gun, while it is also artificial intelligence-enabled, and further fitted with an active protection system that includes tactical drones to provide situational awareness and loitering munition capability. In addition, the light tank was designed to be air transportable for rapid deployment, but it can also operate from high-altitude areas to island territories. It features amphibious capabilities that could allow it to ford any deep streams and rivers in the region, while it can traverse steep climbs.

The new tank was unveiled to the media for the first time on July 6 at the company's production facility in Hazira, Gujarat. Manu Pubby, senior editor for the Indian-based Economic Times shared photos of the tank on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. It is noted to have a lower profile and lower center of gravity than the far larger 50 to 60-ton T-72s and T-90s.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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