Exclusive: India monitoring construction of Chinese airbase in Shakche near Ladakh

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is developing a military base in Shakche near Ladakh, according to sources in the Indian government.

Amid the ongoing military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, Indian agencies are closely monitoring the development of a Chinese air base in Shakche. Once developed, this military base could strengthen China's hand along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Speaking to India Today, senior government sources said the Shakche air base is being rapidly developed further into a military airbase fit for fighter operations. These developments precede the military standoff triggered between the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) last year.