Since the 2020 clashes between Chinese and Indian troops in the Galwan Valley in the disputed Ladakh region, China has significantly strengthened its military presence along the Line of Actual Control. This includes the deployment of around 20,000-25,000 troops in the Ngari and Shigatse regions, backed by artillery, air defense and logistics units. China can surge over 50,000 troops within days via well-developed road and air infrastructure.
Beijing has also expanded support sites at Tingri, Yutian and Yarkant, and maintains key outposts at Burang and Lhunze. While not full air bases, these sites provide logistics and mobility support to operations launched from larger upgraded bases at Shigatse, Lhasa Gonggar and Hotan, which regularly host fighter and transport aircraft. Strategic bombers like the H-6K have appeared in rotational deployments from interior bases, extending strike coverage, though altitude restricts sustained operations.
China also relies on persistent aerial surveillance and a layered air defense network, including long- and medium-range missile systems, mobile short-range platforms and integrated radar coverage that reaches deep into Indian airspace.
Beijing’s greatest operational advantage lies in its sprawling infrastructure. The G219 and G315 highways and the Golmud-Lhasa-Shigatse railway allow rapid force movement. Staging areas like Ali, Rudok and Ngari Gunsa, located within 200 kilometers, or 124 miles, of the LAC, house prepositioned armor, artillery and supplies.
India, meanwhile, maintains 90,000-120,000 troops across Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. While China leads in road and rail logistics, India has the edge in prepositioned troops and high-altitude airlift, with strategic aircraft operating from Leh and Nyoma. It has also accelerated border infrastructure, completing over 60 bridges and 1,400 kilometers of roads since 2020, including all-weather routes and tunnels to support year-round deployments. While China relies on deeper-positioned bases, often 150-300 kilometers from the LAC, India maintains forces, airfields and logistics hubs within 50 kilometers of the frontier, allowing for quick tactical response and sustained presence at high-altitude flashpoints.
