Satellite images have revealed China’s construction of a road in the Shaksgam Valley, part of Azad Kashmir ceded to China in 1963.
The road, stemming from Highway G219 in China’s Xinjiang province, stretches towards India’s northernmost point.
India’s Defense Minister has visited the area twice recently. Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma deems the road unlawful and urges India to raise diplomatic objections.
The disputed region, the Trans-Karakoram Tract, was transferred to China by Pakistan in 1963, which India disputes.
Reports of increased military collaboration in the area have further fueled India’s concerns.
Pakistan also plans a road connecting Muzaffarabad to Mustagh Pass, possibly linking to China’s national highway G219.
