China has built 22 villages in Bhutan over the past eight years, with eight strategically located near the Doklam plateau since 2020, raising concerns about territorial encroachment and regional security implications for Bhutan and India.

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• China constructed 22 villages in Bhutan since 2015; eight near Doklam since 2020.
• Villages located in Bhutan’s western sector near Doklam plateau, a strategic area.
• These settlements overlook valleys claimed by China and near Chinese military outposts.
• Largest village, Jiwu, built on Bhutanese pastureland Tshethangkha in the western sector.
• Encroachments raise concerns about the vulnerability of India’s Siliguri Corridor.
• Siliguri Corridor connects mainland India to northeastern states, crucial for security.
• Doklam previously witnessed a 73-day India-China standoff in 2017 over road construction.
• Satellite images reveal stepped-up Chinese activity near Doklam post-standoff.
• New settlements strengthen China’s strategic position, challenge Bhutan’s sovereignty.
• Alarms raised among Indian policymakers, with potential regional security implications.