Pentagon Report: China Stations 120,000 Troops, Tanks, and Missiles Near Indian Border

The United States Department of Defense has raised fresh alarms about China’s growing military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. According to the Pentagon's latest annual report, China has stationed around 120,000 troops, along with tanks, howitzers, missiles, and other heavy weaponry, across the disputed 3,488-km-long boundary, which extends from Ladakh in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.

Persistent Military Build-Up Since Galwan

Since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has not reduced its military presence along the LAC, despite selective troop disengagements in certain areas. The report highlights that China has built extensive infrastructure to support brigade-level deployments in forward areas, ensuring the PLA's ability to sustain its operations. Over 20 combined arms brigades (CABs) remain stationed in strategic locations across the western, middle, and eastern sectors of the LAC.

The Pentagon emphasized that China's Western Theatre Command, which oversees operations along the Indian border, continues to prioritize this frontier. The prolonged standoff has been fueled by differing perceptions of the border, resulting in clashes, force build-ups, and accelerated military infrastructure development.

Strengthened Military Infrastructure

In addition to deploying troops, the PLA has fortified its positions with advanced weaponry and support facilities. Heavy artillery, surface-to-air missiles, and combat-ready tanks have been strategically positioned to counter any potential escalation. This military posturing reflects China's broader strategy to secure its territorial claims and maintain a dominant presence in the region.

Nuclear Modernization and Space Capabilities

The Pentagon report also sheds light on China’s rapid nuclear modernization. With over 600 operational nuclear warheads as of mid-2024, Beijing is on track to amass more than 1,000 warheads by 2030. China’s diverse arsenal includes low-yield precision-strike missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of delivering multi-megaton payloads.

The report further highlights China's advancements in counter-space technologies, such as anti-satellite missiles, co-orbital satellites, and directed-energy systems like lasers. These developments bolster China's ability to contest space-based assets and deny adversaries access to critical domains.

Rising Tensions with Taiwan

Beyond its Indian border, China’s military assertiveness has also grown in the Taiwan Strait. The PLA has increased its naval and aerial activities, frequently breaching Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. The Pentagon describes Taiwan as the most significant flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, warning that Beijing’s aggressive posture could escalate into a conflict with global repercussions.

The Biden administration has responded by enhancing U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to deter Beijing's aggression while maintaining open channels for diplomatic engagement.

Strengthening China-Russia Military Ties

China’s military collaboration with Russia also features prominently in the Pentagon's report. Beijing has reportedly provided Moscow with dual-use items for its war efforts in Ukraine, signaling a deepening partnership aimed at challenging U.S. global influence. This alliance reflects a shared goal of reshaping the international order into a more multipolar system.

Internal Challenges: Corruption in the PLA

Despite its rapid military expansion, the PLA faces internal challenges, notably corruption scandals within its ranks. High-profile expulsions, such as those of former Defense Ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, have shaken the Central Military Commission, which oversees the PLA. The ongoing investigations into senior officials underscore concerns about the military’s internal stability.

Implications for Regional Security

China’s persistent military build-up along the Indian border, coupled with its nuclear modernization and increasing assertiveness in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific, underscores its ambition to dominate regional security dynamics. While internal corruption poses challenges, Beijing’s commitment to military modernization remains steadfast.

As China continues to bolster its military capabilities and strengthen ties with Russia, regional tensions are likely to escalate, placing significant pressure on India and its allies to counterbalance Beijing’s aggressive posture.