Tucked in the Himalayas, Bhutan has long been known for its peaceful diplomacy and focus on Gross National Happiness. But behind the serene image, the tiny kingdom is facing a quiet, yet alarming challenge — a slow encroachment on its territory by China. The article “How China Is Swallowing Bhutan One Valley at a Time” by Lea Watch News dives into this creeping territorial crisis that’s unfolding far from the public eye.
Without a formal diplomatic relationship, Bhutan and China have historically resolved disputes through dialogue. But over the years, China has steadily advanced its claims — not just on contested areas like Doklam, but on regions that were never previously under dispute. This includes the strategic Beyul (sacred valleys), where satellite imagery and on-ground reports have shown construction of roads, military outposts, and even entire villages by China inside what Bhutan considers its territory.
As Lea Watch News points out, these actions reflect a broader strategy — using infrastructure and "salami slicing" tactics to alter the ground reality without firing a single shot. The goal? To shift borders gradually and strengthen Beijing’s hand in future negotiations.
This isn’t just a Bhutanese issue. For India, Bhutan’s erosion of territorial integrity is a strategic concern, especially given the sensitive tri-junction area near Doklam where Indian and Chinese troops faced off in 2017. Any shift in Bhutan’s territorial status could affect regional security balances and New Delhi’s own border strategy.
Ultimately, this story is a reminder that borders aren’t always redrawn through war. Sometimes, they change quietly — through roads, settlements, and silence. As this article makes clear, the world needs to pay attention before it’s too late.