Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between

Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan
A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region
taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate
Any deal and the possible establishment of formal diplomatic relations between
Thimphu, the Bhutan capital, and Beijing will concern India, which has long
considered its northern neighbour, Bhutan, a buffer state to its regional rival,
China.
The latest images of Jakarlung Valley show a Chinese settlement under
construction and an extensive road network built by the Chinese in the area.
Robert Barnett, a Tibet expert at SOAS, University of London, who has
watched the China–Bhutan border dispute closely, told The World Today:
‘There have been two major waves of [Chinese] construction in the Jakarlung.
We know that the Chinese authorities are energetically recruiting Tibetans to
move to these new locations and putting a lot of money into major construction
efforts there.’
2 July, 2022: Chinese activity in Jakarlung Valley, Bhutan

A satellite image of Jakarlung Valley in Bhutan’s Beyul Khenpajong region

taken on 2 July, 2022, showing existing Chinese settlements and road network.
©2023 Planet Labs PBC.
This follows Chinese building work observed in the Menchuma Valley. In 2021,
Barnett reported that the Menchuma Valley had been under de facto Chinese
control for some time, with Bhutanese herders and Royal Bhutanese Army
patrols allegedly denied access. Troops belonging to China’s People’s
Liberation Army are also believed to be stationed in or near the settlements in
both areas.
Beyul Khenpajong – Beyul means ‘hidden valley’ – is an area of great
significance for the Bhutanese. The royal family traces its ancestral heritage to
the mountainous region, yet the government has been powerless to stop Chinese
settlement there. China and Bhutan signed a ‘three-step road map’ in 2020 to
resolve their border dispute, and Thimphu will hope that any deal will give
Bhutan a demarcate