China building bridge over Pangong Lake on occupied territory: Centre

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday said that a Chinese bridge across the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh was being constructed in areas "that have been under illegal occupation of China for around 60 years now".

"Regarding reports of a bridge being made by the Chinese side on Pangong Lake, the government has been monitoring this activity closely. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

On Monday geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon tweeted that China may be constructing a bridge across a part of the lake that falls within Chinese territory, but it connects both banks and gives China the ability to move soldiers and heavy weaponry into India at pace.

"India has never accepted such illegal occupation and the government has been taking all necessary steps to ensure our security interests are fully protected," Bagchi told reporters during a scheduled press briefing on Thursday evening.

A fully constructed bridge means China will have multiple routes to add troops in the contentious area.

ALSO WATCH: 'Break silence, Modiji': Rahul attacks govt after Chinese unfurled flag at Galwan