NewDelhi: A new satellite image showing China building a bridge on its side of the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh emerged on Monday amid the prolonged Sino-India military stand off in the border area.

People familiar with the development said the satellite imagery is of an area on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near the Galwan valley region.

The armies of India and China had created a buffer zone in Galwan valley following their deadly clashes on June 15, 2020.

On January 1, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets and greetings at 10 border posts along the LAC including in eastern Ladakh to mark the New Year.

The sources said the bridge is at a distance of around 40km from the alignment of the LAC in the region and that India has also been developing infrastructure in the region at a rapid pace.

Geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon posted a satellite image on Twitter suggesting that the new bridge was being constructed by China to link the North and South banks of Pangong lake.

Military experts said the aim of constructing the bridge in the Khurnak area could be to ensure that the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) is able to quickly mobilise its troops in the region.

The Indian military sources said India has been developing infrastructure in all key areas along the LAC and that India is aware of Chinese activities in the region.

Last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Chisumle-Demchok road at Umling La Pass at over 19,000 feet in Ladakh that is considered as a key stretch for military purpose.

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