Dragon’s shadow near Siliguri? China aiding revival of WW2-era Bangladeshi airbase near India’s ‘Chicken’s Neck’
“China is reportedly aiding Bangladesh in reviving an old World War II airbase at Lalmonirhat, just 12-15 kilometres from the Indian border. The airfield, currently controlled by the Bangladesh Air Force but inactive for decades, lies only 135 kilometres from the Siliguri Corridor—India’s crucial ‘Chicken’s Neck’ connecting the northeast to the rest of the country. Chinese officials recently visited the site, signalling Beijing’s growing interest. Although the precise purpose—civilian or military—is unclear, a Chinese presence so close to this narrow passage could increase India’s strategic vulnerability.”
“As told to NDTV, Damien Symon, geospatial intelligence researcher, said, ‘These near-simultaneous infrastructure enhancements across multiple Chinese airbases along the Line of Actual Control suggest a deliberate strategy to increase operational reach and readiness in border-adjacent zones.’ ”